A taste of T&T culture in South Florida

2 days ago 10

T he vibrant energy of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is set to come alive in South Florida on March 15, with the highly anticipated Ole Mas event—an authentic celebration of creativity, culture, and Caribbean tradition.

At the heart of this initiative is Cindy Saroop McNeal, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora of South Florida, Inc. This non-profit organisation continues to bring Caribbean nationals together while preserving their rich cultural heritage.

“I want people to experience the joy and freedom of our Carnival,” McNeal said.

“Ole mas is about getting creative, making your costumes, and bringing the essence of traditional mas to our community here in South Florida.”

The event promises to be a vibrant mix of colourful costumes, infectious soca music, and the unique spirit of T&T’s iconic festival. It will give attendees a taste of home while uniting Caribbean nationals from across the region.

McNeal is quick to emphasise that her organisation is a fully independent non-profit, separate from the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora in Trinidad. Along with her husband Michael Poon (vice president), and brother Randy Ramnarace (secretary), McNeal ensures that all funds raised go directly back into hosting future community events and supporting local causes.

“This is all out-of-pocket and through donations,” McNeal stressed.

“We do it for the love of our culture and to give back to our community, regardless of race or background.”

McNeal’s journey in the diaspora community began through her volunteer work with the late Kamal Abdool, a respected figure in the T&T community in South Florida. What started as helping with shopping and bartending at events, soon blossomed into a deeper involvement that shaped her vision.

When Abdool’s daughter, Naveda Hassan, stepped down from leading the original diaspora group, McNeal seized the opportunity to create her organisation, ensuring that the cultural flame continued to burn brightly.

“I knew we needed to keep the community connected,” she recalled.

“That’s why I registered the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora of South Florida, Inc—to continue what Mr Abdool started and to expand it across South Florida.”

Since then, McNeal’s events have attracted people from Orlando, Port St Lucie, Broward, and Miami, creating a vibrant network of Caribbean nationals who share a common love for their culture.

McNeal’s organisation is about more than just hosting parties; it’s about building a community that supports each other. From encouraging small businesses to showcase their products at events, to organising giveaways and fundraising initiatives, McNeal’s work is deeply rooted in service.

“I want to give small business owners a platform,” she said. “If you’re just starting, come set up and promote your business. Let the community see what you have to offer.”

Her passion for giving back is evident in her long history of community service, having worked with organisations like March of Dimes, United Way, and the Friends and Family Club in Palm Beach.

“All the proceeds from our events go right back into the organisation,” McNeal emphasised. “We’re here to serve, not to profit.”

While McNeal leads the charge, her family plays an integral role in every event. Her children, Mikkel, 15, and Christina, 11, along with her niece Rihanna, 15, are the first faces attendees see at every event, helping with meet-and-greets, set up, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

“They’re my biggest helpers,” McNeal said proudly. “You’ll always see them at the front, welcoming everyone with a smile.”

She credits her journey to the encouragement she has received from many people she met along the way, particularly through the influence of Kamal Abdool.

“I’ve met so many amazing people because of him, and their support keeps me going,” she said.

For McNeal, keeping Caribbean traditions alive is a personal mission. She migrated to the US in 1989, and knows firsthand how easy it is to lose touch with one’s roots.

“We miss Carnival, Eid, Divali, Christmas—everything that makes our culture special,” she said. “I want to make sure our children know these traditions, even if they’re growing up in the US.”

Her recent events, including a successful back-in-time party in July 2024 and a festive Christmas event in December, have drawn attendees from across the US and even from Trinidad, creating spaces where people can reconnect with their heritage.

When she’s not organising events, McNeal indulges in her passion for baking, delighting attendees with her Trini Black Rum Fruit Cakes, Coconut Sweetbread, and ponche de crème at her Christmas event.

Her motto is: “I do not see colours until you show them to me,” which reflects her belief in unity and inclusivity, values that are at the core of every event she hosts.

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