The Sir Winston yacht will take over the Hudson River with a dazzling, Met Gala-inspired soirée in honor of Trinidad & Tobago’s Republic Day on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Renée Cummings, honorary chair and patron of Trinidad & Tobago Republic Day, said “four distinguished Trinidad and Tobago nationals will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to journalism, film, advocacy, and fashion.”
A red carpet departure will take place at 6 p.m. from the Brooklyn Army Terminal at 140 58th Street, kicking off the Republic Day celebration.
Awards will be presented to Dominic Kalipersad, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Caribbean Journalism and Public Discourse in honor of his commitment to truth-telling, his role in shaping regional media, and his enduring impact on public dialogue and democratic accountability across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
Asha Lovelace will be honored for her curatorial vision that has preserved and reimagined the country’s cinematic heritage. Lovelace will receive the Heritage Award for Cultural Stewardship in Film Programming in recognition of her commitment to storytelling, cultural preservation, and amplifying underrepresented voices through film.
Nicole Dyer will receive the Beacon Award for Transformational Healing and Advocacy, honoring her unwavering strength and her ability to transform personal triumph into collective care. Her courage is a compass, guiding change, inspiring hope, and reshaping the future of healing.
Rick Davy will receive the Vanguard Award for Global Caribbean Influence in Fashion, recognizing his trailblazing contributions to fashion and his role in positioning Caribbean creativity and identity on the world stage. His visionary leadership continues to influence global conversations around style, representation, and cultural pride.
According to Cummings, “Republic Day is a moment to reflect on the journey of our nation and celebrate the sovereignty and cultural pride that bind us together. The River Runway is not just a gala, it is living proof that true excellence happens when the diaspora comes together and makes magic.”
“To honor four distinguished nationals on the Hudson, with the New York skyline as witness, is to showcase the strength of our connections, the brilliance of our heritage, and the limitless creativity of our people,” Cummings added.
The evening’s awards will be presented by Councilmember Chris Banks, a proud son of Trinidad and Tobago descent and representative of Brooklyn’s 42nd Council District. His presence will reflect the vibrant Trinbagonian diaspora that continues to shape the fabric of New York City.
Cummings noted that the River Runway is a celebration with a mission to invest in the boundless potential of “our young women. When we empower girls to tell their stories, we equip them to shape culture, influence society, and ultimately change the world.”
She added, “This fundraiser is more than an evening of style and recognition, it is about giving the next generation of Trinidad and Tobago’s young women the tools to create, to lead, and to inspire. I call on our diaspora and friends to stand with us in this effort, because the future is impossible without girls.”
The River Runway promises red carpet arrivals, celebrity performances, and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. More than glamour, the evening carries a mission. Proceeds will fund a groundbreaking film program for young women in Trinidad & Tobago, empowering the next generation of storytellers and cultural visionaries.
Tickets are $100 and space is limited. Email theglamourcollective3@gmail.com or call (917) 549-7675. Tickets are also available on Eventbrite.
