Log In | Become a Member

Orlando Area Caribbean Americans Look for Increased Political Representation


June 11th, 2013 | WMFE- Central Florida's Caribbean American community kicked off a month of celebrating their heritage on Saturday. Local members of the community say Caribbean American businesses are a vital part of Orlando's cultural fabric- now they're hoping for stronger political representation.

Heritage month spokesman Sam Roberts says the economic impact of Caribbean Americans in Central Florida can be seen in small businesses- like supermarkets, travel agencies and real estate agencies.

Roberts says although Caribbean communities in South Florida have had strong political representation through Caribbean American elected officials, it’s not the case here in Cenrtral Florida.

But that might be changing, says Roberts, "based on the fact that one, we’re strong in numbers, we’re strong economically, and we just ...got one of our own elected to the Orange County Property Appraisers position, which might just open doors for others to follow that same path.”

 Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, who was elected last November, was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and spent the first part of his life in South America.

2010 Census estimates put the number of Caribbean immigrants in the US at around 3.7 million.

 

All active news articles