Antiguans showcased in Washington D.C.
 
WASHINGTON - D.C. - Entrepreneur Egbert Perry and Singer/Tourism Officer Shermain Jeremy were showcased at the 15th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala held in Washington D.C. on Friday November 14, 2008.  

The event, considered the premier black-tie affair for Caribbean and Caribbean-Americans in the United States capital attracts Congressional Representatives, Entrepreneurs, Actors and Sporting figures from across the Washington D.C. area and its environs.  The Institute of Caribbean Studies led by Dr. Clair Nelson organized this gala.
 
Egbert Perry, Chairman and CEO of Integral Group LLC based in Atlanta, GA, was selected to receive the outstanding Entrepreneurship Award for his exceptional achievement as a business executive.  

Mr. Perry heads a successful urban real estate development and investment management firm with affiliates and subsidiaries that provide construction and property management services valued at almost US$1 billion. 

The company has master planned and/or developed over 15 communities throughout the United States containing over 6,000 residential units, along with complementary components such as retail, offices, schools, parks and community      recreational facilities.
 
In the citation read by renowned ABC TV Anchor, Niki Mohan, it was noted that Mr. Perry who held the post of president of an Atlanta based real estate and construction firm before forming his own company, had, in twelve years, expanded the annual revenues of that company from $12 million to $200 million dollars.  Mr. Perry was also recognized for having been selected to develop the Half Moon Bay Resort in Antigua and Barbuda.
 
First place winner for the talent segment in the Ms. World Pageant of 2004, Ms. Shermain Jeremy set the stage for the evening’s proceedings by providing the prelude for grace with her rendition of the popular ballard “The Prayer”.  Ms. Jeremy, who was warmly received, expressed delight at having been invited to perform at such a prestigious event.  ~~Adz:Right~~
 
H.E. Deborah-Mae Lovell, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the Organization of American States (O.A.S) said that she was pleased that personalities from her country had been showcased at the gala.  She indicated that one of the objectives of the Embassy is that of exposing the wealth of talent that resides both in Antigua and Barbuda and in the Diaspora to audiences in the United States.
 
Other personalities who were honoured at the gala included Trinidad and Tobago national, Ato Boldon, for Excellence in Sports, and Marcia Griffin from Jamaica who received the Luminary Award. End.