The Brooklyn-based Caribbean-American Lawyers Association, Inc. (CALA) last Thursday, Jun. 5, bestowed honors on four outstanding individuals during its Gala 2nd Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at El Caribe Country Club on Strickland Avenue in Brooklyn.
Kings County Administrative Judge Genine D. Edwards received the Outstanding Jurist Award; Rudyard Whyte, Esq., CALA’s vice president, received the President’s Award; Carl Forbes, Jr., Esq., received the Founder’s Award; and Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, received the Outstanding Public Servant Award.
“These individuals are commendable, and we’re grateful that you join us for this gala,” said CALA President and Founder Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix, the Barbadian-born former New York City Corporation Counsel and former Justice in the Appellate Division, Kings County Supreme Court, in her opening remarks.
Judge Edwards said she was “deeply honored” to receive the Outstanding Jurist Award.
“This is not about one jurist but those who paved the way for me, like the Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix,” she said. “This award is not a person achievement but a reflection of the people I’ve worked with over the years.
“But justice is a collective effort,” added Judge Edwards. “But none of this would be possible without my supportive family.
“I encourage you that you have to be intentional to help others to reach the next level,” she continued.
Whyte said he was “truly honored” to receive the award.
“I’m proud that this relatively young organization has already awarded over $30,000 in scholarships,” he added. “I will continue to strive, especially in this environment, where the powers that be seeks to erase achievements.”
Forbes said he was “grateful for God’s blessings” on his life, stating that he serves the community “out of love and to give back.”
“Family is important to me,” he said. “I’m grateful to you.
“To my mother, thank you for instilling Caribbean values in me,” Forbes added. “It feels good to be recognized. Thank you to CALA.”
Bichotte Hermelyn said she was “truly humbled to receive the Outstanding Public Servant Award — and to be here tonight surrounded by so many friends, colleagues, and community leaders, especially all in the legal profession I admire.
“Thank Justice Hinds-Radix and Betty John (Hinds-Radix’s long-standing administrative assistant) for organizing this beautiful event,” she said. “As a proud Haitian American and Brooklynite, this recognition means more than I can say. My journey into public service was never just about politics, it was about purpose. It was about making sure our communities, especially immigrant and Caribbean families, were seen, heard and respected.
“And now, I am receiving my Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School, which puts me in a position to further more advocacy and fight within the halls of the courtroom,” Bichotte Hermelyn added. “One Haitian proverb I carry close to my heart is: ‘Men anpil, chay pa lou’ (Many hands make the load lighter).
“We can feel the collective strength in this room. We can feel the excitement, the energy. That’s what this work is about. It’s not just me—it’s all of us, lifting each other up, fighting for justice, and pushing for a better future,” she continued. “With the most recent proclamation made by Donald Trump putting a travel ban on 12 countries, Haiti included, and placing heavy restrictions on seven additional countries, we must stand together to protect each other and our neighbors who are under constant threats and attacks and facing extreme racism.
“But, as Caribbean legal professionals, we have a duty. It is a duty to protect our constitution and the law and our civil rights,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “And, as the County Leader of this great borough, it’s my duty to help people get civicly engaged in voting and my duty to help nominate judges that reflect our beautiful borough and state.”
She said CALA has been “a powerful force in that mission, legal representation, especially in the area of immigration law.
“We will look forward to you to keep up the fight. Thank you for CALA —empowering leaders, connecting communities, and celebrating our heritage,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “I’m proud to stand with you and so many others who are doing the hard work every day.
“Thank you again for this incredible honor,” she added. “I share it with everyone who believes in service, in justice, and in our shared strength. Let’s keep going — together.”
