Our Team

In 2006, a group of dedicated Caribbean leaders along with the Caribbean American Young Adults Social and Civic Organization (CAYASCO) partnered with our host Riverfront Recapture Inc. to present the first Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival. At that time a vision was articulated to help enhance the City of Hartford’s revitalization efforts. In its inaugural year, an estimated 7,000 people from a variety of economic backgrounds, nationalities and races visited the Riverfront Plaza. Since its inception, the Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival has grown exponentially.

Our Team

Board of Directors & Committee Leaders

Taste Team - Leslie G. Perry

Leslie G. Perry

Executive Director

Executive Director's Bio

At an early age, Mr. Leslie G. Perry was committed to serve. While living in Mamaroneck, New York he became active in the NAACP Youth Group and participated in fighting against discrimination in housing and other civil rights activities. He attended Westchester Community College and transferred to the University of Hartford in 1966. Upon graduating in 1967 he was recruited by the University of Hartford and The Hartford Board of Education as a teacher during the revolt of the late 1960’s.

Currently, Mr. Perry and his wife Norma are retired. They reside in West Palm Beach, Florida and Bloomfield, Connecticut. Mr. Perry is Vice President of The Northshore Neighborhood Association and Vice President of Caribbean American Democratic Club of Palm Beach County.

Taste Team - Marva DouglasWilks

Marva Douglas Wilks

President

President's Bio

Marva Douglas Wilks is truly an inspiration to her community, dedicating 33 years to volunteerism and philanthropy. Her selfless work has made a significant impact locally and abroad.

Community Involvement

Marva’s community service is impressive. She’s been a loyal member of the West Indian Social Club in Hartford, serving as president for two terms, and on various committees. She’s also been a board member for the West Indian Foundation and the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

Leadership Roles

Marva has taken on numerous leadership roles, including:

  • Campaign Manager for Veronica Wilson’s campaign for 12 years
  • Treasurer for the Black Republican PAC for three years
  • Advisor and Youth Choir Director for Monica’s church for nine years
  • Commissioner for Aging and Disability for Windsor, Connecticut
  • Member of the Windsor Lions Club and Windsor Garden Club
  • Vice President of the Taste of the Caribbean Arts and Culture organization

Personal Life

Marva is a devoted wife to Glendon Wilks, mother of six beautiful children, and grandmother of seven, with one great-grandchild. Her professional life is equally impressive, currently serving as Senior Director of Residential Programs and Director of Diversity at the Mental Health Association in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

A Life of Service

Marva’s motto, “give back all you can when you can the best way you can,” reflects her unwavering commitment to helping others. Her life’s work is a testament to the power of selfless service and community dedication.

Taste Team - Carol Carnegie

Carol Carnegie

Vice President

Vice President's Bio
Carol Pottinger-Carnegie is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) whose leadership footprint extends from the boardroom to the Caribbean community. With dual MBAs in Finance and Project Management, she blends strategy, precision, and purpose in every role she undertakes.
As an adjunct professor, Carol shares her expertise in finance, risk management, and project management, empowering the next generation of leaders with practical knowledge and real-world insights. She is widely recognized for her impeccable leadership skills, passion for mentorship, and unwavering commitment to service.
Carol currently serves as Vice President of Taste of the Caribbean, a cultural initiative celebrating Caribbean heritage through the arts. She formerly held the role of Magazine Chairperson in 2024 and previously served as Vice President of Rovers Inc., contributing meaningfully to both organizations’ growth and community impact.
Driven by the philosophy of “leading by example,” Carol continues to inspire others through excellence, integrity, and action. Her work reflects not just a career, but a calling to uplift, educate, and connect.
Karen Lewis - Taste of the Caribbean - Taste Team

Karen Lewis

Executive Secretary

Executive Secretary's Bio
Karen Lewis is a retired, peak-performing Human Services Executive who resides in Hartford, Connecticut. She is a devoted mother and grandmother with extensive experience in organizational leadership, program and policy development, and capacity building. Karen brings deep expertise in financial management, human resources administration, grant writing, government relations, and nonprofit operations.
Known for her strong analytical skills, strategic planning insight, and effective communication, Karen has a proven track record of strengthening organizational infrastructure, advancing equity-focused initiatives, and supporting mission-driven growth. Her leadership experience and commitment to community impact make her a valuable and trusted contributor at the board level.
Taste Team - Dorette Sterling

Dorette Sterling

Assistant Secretary

Assistant Secretary's Bio

Dorrette Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to the United States as a young child in the late 70’s. Dorrette proudly served in the US Navy and is currently employed by the State of Connecticut for the past 21 years.  She enjoys gardening and serving the community through her volunteer work.  Dorrette has been singing and performing for many years with several bands locally, as well as out of state. Her greatest accomplishment is being the proud mother of two amazing boys. She currently holds the position of “Assistant Secretary” on the Taste of The Caribbean Board.

Taste Team - Gary Reid

Gary Reid

Treasurer

Treasurer's Bio

TBA

Taste Team - Josette Hill

Josette Hill-Wilson

Assistant Treasurer

Assistant Treasurer's Bio

Josette Hill is the Financial Treasurer of the Southeastern Connecticut Chapter of SCORE, a nationwide, nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration that offers free advice and mentorship to small-business owners.  Josette started her own small business in 2015 when she founded J.A.H Financial Service & Real Estate, a CPA firm she started to help small businesses establish financial accounting and control systems to manage complex financials.  Her company is now a household name in Hartford, CT where she is empowering minority business owners through financial education and access to capital to grow their businesses. Josette Hill is an accomplished CPA and Financial Advisor. She has received the Life Foundation Award from New York Life and was named the number one Regional Leader at Primerica Financial Services. Josette Hill has been included in Marquis Who’s Who in America magazine where she was praised for her entrepreneurship. She was also featured in SCORE National Spotlight as a financial mentor and leader in her community. Outside of running a successful financial service company, Josette also volunteers her financial education to serve other non-profit organizations such as the Taste of the Caribbean Arts and Culture Organization. She resides in Portland, CT with her husband Dean Wilson, and their children. Her new book, “Get AAA credit in 60 days or less” has been an Amazon #1 best seller for 12 weeks in a row. This book has been empowering minorities to use OPM to build wealth. Just recently, Josette Hill was awarded the Biden/Harris Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her Community Leadership Involvement.

Taste Team - Lavine Reid

Lavine Reid

Financial Secretary

Financial Secretary's Bio

Lavine Reid, together with her husband and three sons migrated in the summer of 2024 from Kingston, Jamaica to reside in Windsor, Connecticut. Lavine is a Chartered Certified Accountant by profession with over two decades of expertise in financial management, audit coordination, compliance, and strategic planning across Jamaica and other Caribbean islands working in Public Accounting, Manufacturing, Entertainment and the Financial Sector.

Within her church community, Lavine has volunteered her services in various capacities including: Accountant to the Jamaica School of Preaching and Biblical Studies International, leading the Ladies’ Ministry, speaking at ladies’ meetings; locally, nationally and within the Caribbean region. Lavine has also worked on planning committees for the National Ladies Retreat and Caribbean Lectureship (local). She also assisted her husband, a Minister of Religion, in Prison Ministry visiting Juveniles in Detention Centers.

Taste Team - Marcia Whittingham

Marcia Whittingham

Assistant Executive Director

Assistant Executive Director's Bio

Marcia Whittingham is a proud mother of four and grandmother, living her passion for community and culture in Connecticut. With a long history of leadership, she’s served as president of both AFCAMP (African Caribbean American Families with Disabilities) and Taste of the Caribbean Arts & Culture CT, Inc., where she’s helped bring people together through her love for the arts. For ten years, she managed the Nayo Dance Company, and she’s also contributed her time to organizations like the Hartford Corner League and Ethiopian World Federation. A graduate of Cambridge College and a lifelong learner, Marcia is always excited to keep Hartford’s cultural heartbeat strong and thriving!

Taste Team - Josette Hill

Josette Hill-Wilson

Grants/Sponsorships

Taste Team - Dean Hill

Dean Wilson

Vending

Vending Chair's Bio

Dean Duvantie Wilson is a serial entrepreneur and financial coach from Hartford, CT. He co-founded JAH Financial Services & Real Estate, a business solutions firm, and owns Golden Touch Personal Care and the Josette and Dean Wilson Foundation. Through their foundation, Dean teaches aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses how to empower others, propelling them toward success and prosperity. Dean is also an author, visionary, and philanthropist who is committed to making a positive impact on the world. With a wealth of experience in Commercial Real Estate, Dean has successfully invested in numerous projects within this domain. His full-service CPA Firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including IRS tax resolution, personal and corporate income tax preparation, estate taxes, payroll, bookkeeping services, business funding, insurance and retirement services, and assistance with US Citizenship and Immigration. Dean’s background is quite diverse; he is an expert in CAA Forensic, a certified money broker, and holds licenses as a life and health insurance agent, public notary, 10X trainer, travel agent, and accountant. His impressive skills and knowledge make him an invaluable asset to any business that seeks to grow and achieve financial success.

Grantley Adams Taste of the Caribbean - Taste Team

Grantly Adams

Magazine Chair

Taste Team - Ruth Rose

Ruth Rose

Magazine Co-Chair

Magazine Co-Chair's Bio

Ruth Rose is from the tiny island of Anguilla and graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) with a business degree. She’s married to Winston Rose and has three children, Brittney, Andrew and Julian and 2 grandchildren, (Jayden and Carter). For over 25 years, she has been very active in her church community serving on the Vestry, teacher/leader of the Church school, usher co-chair and wherever she’s called to be.

Ruth has been a member of The Taste of The Caribbean Arts & Culture CT, Inc. since 2016 and performed in a variety of roles. She is currently Executive Secretary, Former Chair of the Children’s Village and contributor to the magazine and fund-raising committees. Interests include reading, cooking and entertaining. Loves to travel and bucket list includes visiting as much of the Caribbean and Africa as possible to gain a better understanding of her roots.

Taste Team - Caroline Austin - Taste of the Caribbean - Art and Culture - TOC

Caroline Austin

Public Relations

Taste Team - Elorie Stevens

Elorie Stevens

Fundraising

Our Team Continued…

Committee Chairs

Dorrette Sterling

Entertainment

Felecia Francis

Children Village

Richard Sinclair

Hospitality

Website Support

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FASHION SHOW by Taste CT & Caccie’s Bridal Closet – Hartford CT

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Video – 2024 Taste of the Caribbean CT Highlights

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Latest Magazines

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2025 – Magazine

Annual 2025 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...

2024 – Magazine

Annual 2024 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...

2023 – Magazine

Annual 2023 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...

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2025 – Info Flyer

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2024 – Info Flyer

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2023 – Info Flyer

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Festival Location & Host

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

300 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT, USA
Greater Hartford Arts Council - Logo

Contact Us

Emails Us:
info@tastect.org

Call Us:
(860) 595-2984

Mail Us:
Taste Of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival
P.O. Box 1604
Hartford, CT 06144-1604

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