To encourage kinship between Caribbean and other communities in Florida. Maintain an association of high standards, which promotes cultural awareness that contributes to the development of Central Florida. Open and maintain avenues of communication between people of the Caribbean and other ethnic groups, and their homelands. Foster educational, cultural, and business opportunities through networking, to further joint interests. Aspire to ultimate ownership of real property in Central Florida for the benefit of all members and entities. Work closely with the government to influence decisions that affect the community.

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• Stokely A. Jack
• Conrad Randolph

The idea to form an association in Central Florida came about during a trip to the beach. The group - Stokely Jack, Conrad Randolph, Judy Randolph, June Wilson, Cindy Wilson, Eileen Headecker, and Diane Neblett - decided that there was a dire need for an Association which would assist new arrivals to Central Florida, particularly those with Caribbean backgrounds. Its members would be involved in all aspects of the community - culturally, politically, and educationally.

In July 1990, the first meeting, which was attended by members of the group and other like-minded residents of Central Florida, was held in a church on Smith Street in Kissimmee. Subsequently, meetings have been held at the Kissimmee Council on Aging headquarters and the Y.M.C.A. building in Kissimmee. In November 1991, the Association was incorporated. The first Executive Committee was:

• Stokely A. Jack - President
• Conrad Randolph - 1st Vice President
• Everette Bentham - 2nd Vice President
• Marlon Moffatt - Treasurer
• Hollis Williams - Secretary
• Peter Ayers - Chaplain

The first By-Laws were completed and ratified in 1994. Some of our annual functions are:

• Family Day Bus Outing to a local beach.
• Youth Awards Ceremony (in 1997 the Dorway Scholarship was established in honor of Gordon Dorway).
• Co-Sponsorship of Caribbean Fusion at the Kissimmee Lakefront.
• Biennial Cruise to the Caribbean.
• "Old Year's Night" Ball.
• Family Day Picnic.

At this time, our ultimate dream is to acquire ownership of real property in Central Florida. The members of the Caribbean and Floridian Association are dedicated to sharing their skills, experience, and resources, to make this community the greatest place to live.

Veronica Murrell
Historian

CAFA is over 15 years old. That's 15 years of service to the community, providing help to others; particularly those from Caribbean origin. There is a large amount of rich history behind the name CAFA.

Below are some articles of past events and ceremonies that show how CAFA has evolved throughout the years.