2026 Excellence Award Winners
Stephen "Cat" Coore was a legendary Jamaican musician, composer, and co-founder of the internationally acclaimed reggae band Third World. As the band's musical director for more than five decades, he helped shape the reggae fusion sound and establish Third World as one of the most successful and enduring reggae bands in the world.
Beyond his global musical impact, Cat played an important role in the growth of CANDO and served as a valued advisor to the organization.
CANDO is honored to present the 2026 Global Impact Community Award posthumously to Stephen "Cat" Coore.
The award was accepted on his behalf by Mrs. Lisa Coore.
Linda Perez is the Founder and Executive Director of Boricuas de Corazón Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to disaster preparedness, emergency response, humanitarian assistance, and community support. Through her leadership, she has coordinated relief efforts throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, and beyond, helping provide critical resources and assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters.
A certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainer, Linda has empowered volunteers and strengthened community resilience through education, service, and advocacy. Her commitment to helping others has made a lasting impact across the communities she serves.
CANDO is honored to present the 2026 Unity Through Service Award to Ms. Linda Perez.
Evie Larmond-Louden is a respected community leader, educator, and advocate whose decades of service have helped strengthen and uplift the Caribbean community throughout the Tampa Bay area. Through her leadership with the Caribbean Community Association (CCA), she has supported education, health initiatives, disaster relief efforts, cultural preservation, and youth development.
Her commitment to future generations is reflected in the establishment of the Evie Larmond Louden Health Professions Scholarship, which assists students of Caribbean descent pursuing careers in healthcare. Her dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact across the Caribbean diaspora.
CANDO is honored to present the 2026 Cultural Ambassador Award to Ms. Evie Larmond-Louden.
Collin Ettienne is the founder and owner of R.I. Automotive, a trusted Tampa Bay automotive service company known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and customer service. A Tampa Bay Technical High School graduate, Collin combined his passion for automotive technology with a strong entrepreneurial spirit to establish the business in 2000 while serving as a firefighter with Hillsborough County.
Over the years, he has grown R.I. Automotive from a one-person operation into a respected automotive repair and performance center. Through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence, Collin has made a lasting impact on both the automotive industry and the Tampa Bay community.
CANDO is honored to present the 2026 Business Leadership Award to Mr. Collin Ettienne.
Joy Anderson is a respected community leader, philanthropist, and co-founder of the Guyanese Cultural Network of Tampa Bay (GCNTB). Since helping establish the organization in 2007, she has played an instrumental role in preserving Guyanese culture, promoting education, supporting charitable initiatives, and strengthening community engagement throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Under her leadership, GCNTB has become a valued nonprofit organization known for its scholarships, school supply drives, cultural programs, and community outreach efforts. Through her dedication to service and cultural preservation, Joy has helped foster unity, cultural pride, and opportunity within the Guyanese and broader Caribbean communities.
CANDO is honored to present the 2026 Nonprofit Leadership Award to Ms. Joy Anderson.
As Ms. Anderson was unable to attend, the award was accepted on her behalf by Ms. Renee Brathwaite, Secretary of the Guyanese Cultural Network of Tampa Bay.
Jacqueline Joseph is a dedicated community advocate, volunteer leader, and supporter of Caribbean culture and community service. Through her ongoing commitment to cultural preservation, community engagement, youth development, and humanitarian efforts, she has positively impacted individuals and families throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Known for her compassion, leadership, and willingness to serve, Jacqueline has devoted countless hours to supporting community initiatives and causes that uplift and empower others. Her contributions reflect the values of service, cultural pride, and community leadership that help strengthen the Caribbean community.
CANDO is honored to present the 2026 Community Excellence Service Award to Ms. Jacqueline Joseph.