TREASURE COAST CARIFEST 2024: A CELEBRATION OF CARIBBEAN RESILIENCE AND CULTURE

Article by Dr. Kimberley Lowe/Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham

TREASURE COAST CARIFEST 2024: A CELEBRATION OF CARIBBEAN RESILIENCE
AND CULTURE
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. Nov. 11, 2024 – The 6th annual Treasure Coast Caribbean Food
and Music Festival (CariFest2024) – a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, was
held on November 2nd, 2024. Despite intermittent rain showers, the event thrived,
showcasing the resilience and spirit of the Caribbean community.
The festival commenced with the customary opening prayer and CACG’s President
Dawn Bloomfield’s introduction of dignitaries and supporters. President Bloomfield
highlighted the major event sponsors: Children’s Services of St. Lucie County, St. Lucie
Roofing, JN Money Services Ltd., Truist Bank, Colin Cushnie Law Firm, Iron Mush
Photography, and ACCH Insurance Agency sponsors for their continued support. She
described the growing event as “more than just a festival; it was a testament to the
ability of diverse groups to to come together and celebrate rich traditions”.
Headlined by reggae superstar Luciano, the festival captivated the audience with soulful
performances. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Comedian Rohan Gunter and Sir Rockwell,
the event also featured stellar performances by Sailor Jane, Ras Fraser Jr, Mr. Pearly,
and Jahmela Blender, all backed by an array of talented disc jockeys.
Food vendors offered a delectable array of Caribbean cuisine, from jerk chicken and
oxtail to rice and peas, fish, and festival. The tantalizing aromas and flavors transported
attendees straight to the islands, while the vibrant beats of Caribbean music kept the
energy buzzing throughout the day.
In addition to the musical and culinary delights, the festival grounds were bustling with
vendors selling arts and crafts, apparel, jewelry, and other island memorabilia.
Community services, including banking, insurance, and legal advice, were also available,
reflecting the festival’s commitment to supporting and uplifting the local community.
As the rain came and went, the spirit of the festival remained undampened. Revelers
danced, sang, and enjoyed the festivities, embodying the true essence of Caribbean joy
and resilience. The event concluded with the grand finale performance by Luciano.
People braved the intermittent showers to rock to the cultural, conscious lyrics of the
superstar. The crowd hung onto every lyric, and Luciano did not disappoint, leaving the
audience with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of community.
Gratitude was expressed to all the sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made
CariFest2024 a success. The festival was celebrated as a reflection of merging cultures,
varied people, and shared experiences, with anticipation that CACG will continue this
tradition and make it even bigger and better next year.
For more information about the Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG) and
upcoming events, please contact Dawn Bloomfield [954-636-9067], or Neville Lake [772-
834-2522], Caribbean American Cultural Group, 3771 SE Jennings Road, Port St. Lucie,
FL 34952 http://www.cacgpsl.org / https://www.facebook.com/CACGInc
Submitted by Dr. Kimberley Lowe