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
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.
Angela Balfour Franklin
President
President's Bio
Angela Balfour Franklin’s Caribbean connection begins with her parents, Ernest and Eulanda Balfour who emigrated from Jamaica. Angela’s father was known throughout Hartford as one of the city’s domino kings and her mother was a founding member of the Caribbean Ladies Cultural Club and the Taste of the Caribbean Arts and Culture CT, INC.
Angela continued the tradition of establishing a Caribbean civic presence when she lived in Birmingham, AL. She is a founding member of the Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO) which has its own festival and continues to spread the culture, talent and Arts of the Caribbean throughout the greater Birmingham, Alabama area.
Here in Hartford, Angela has been a part of the Taste of the Caribbean Arts and Culture CT, INC. for many years. Even as she has lived throughout the United States, Angela would plan her family visits to coincide with the Taste of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival every August.
Angela has a deep connection to the African continent, having lived in southern Africa for 4 years and worked throughout Central, East and West Africa for another 4 years. Angela’s personal philosophy incorporates the concept of Ubuntu which emphasizes the universal connection and unity of humanity. For her, this connectedness is framed within the symbol of the Sankofa bird, with its feet firmly pointing to the future while its head and neck looking to the past. Angela believes that our shared future is informed by an understanding and respect for our shared history. By sharing our unique cultures and experiences, our history is made richer.
Angela loves to travel, dance and learn about other peoples and cultures.
Marva Douglas Wilks
Vice President
Vice 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.
Ruth Rose
Executive Secretary
Executive Secretary'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.
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.
Gary Reid
Treasurer
Treasurer's Bio
TBA
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.
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.
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!
Michael Whilby
Grants/Sponsoships
Grant/Sponsorship Chair's Bio
TBA
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.
Our Team Continued…
Committee Chairs
Fundraising
Felecia Francis
Children Village
Carol Carnegie
Magazine/Journal
Marcia Whittingham
Public Relations & Marketing
Dorrette Sterling
Entertainment
Website Support
Richard Sinclair
Hospitality
Stay Up-to-Date with the latest Taste CT News & Updates
Latest Updates
View most recent Taste of The Caribbean Arts & Culture CT Updates.
Latest Magazines
Enjoy our annual souvenir Journal / magazine, which includes interesting articles about the Caribbean, local and international Artists...
Latest Info Flyers
Enjoy our event info flyers, which includes information about the Taste of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival!
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Festival Location & Host
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
300 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT, USA
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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You may be photographed at any Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival's event for Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival's promotional purposes. These event photos may be used at the TOC's discretion for promotional purposes without your specific written consent and/or without compensation.
