On Thursday, 16 April 2026, Enfield Caribbean Association (ECA) marked a historic milestone celebrating 40 years of dedicated service to the community with a vibrant evening of culture, connection, and joy at the Dugdale Arts Centre. Since its founding in 1986, the ECA has grown from a small charity into a pillar of local support, famously known as a “small charity with big ideas”.

An Evening of Cultural Splendour

The anniversary event was a spectacular showcase of Caribbean heritage and achievement. Veteran presenter and community leader host Juliet Alexander brought her charm and experience to the event. Local historian Avril Nanton gave a brilliant insight into the history of ECA with her detailed presentation of the 40-year history of ECA. Attendees were treated to a diverse programme that featured:

• Live Performances: The night was filled with the rhythmic sounds of the Reggae Choir and a moving steel pan performance by the talented Damoi Morgan.

• Spoken Word and Poetry: Powerful readings and performances by Herbie Dunnan who wrote a poem dedicated to ECA. His contribution and others highlighted the community’s rich storytelling tradition. Arthur Barzey, former Headteacher at Heron Hall Academy in Ponders End and Pearson’s Headteacher of the Year Award winner 2022 spoke about encouraging aspiration among young people.

• Special Guests: The celebration was attended by notable patrons and supporters, including Leroy Logan OBE, Professor Patrick Vernon OBE, and broadcaster and author of ECA’s children illustrated book, Windrush Wonders Kamilah McInnis.

According to Oveta McInnis, chair of ECA, “This was a superb evening of celebration and remembering the contributions of those who came before us. The evening fostered a warm atmosphere of unity, community and love.”

Four Decades of Community Impact

While the evening was a party, it also served as a time for reflection on the ECA’s transformative work over the past 40 years. Under the leadership of Chair Oveta McInnis, the association has become vital to the borough through initiatives such as:

• The Luncheon Club: A weekly Friday gathering providing elders with companionship, social interaction, and nutritious Caribbean meals.

• Black Film Club: A thriving partnership with the Dugdale Arts Centre that celebrates Black talent and stories through cinema.

• Health and Well-being: Ongoing exercise classes and the recent Black Health Inequalities Summit continue to address critical community needs. In addition to ECA’s partnership with the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN).

Looking to the Future

The 40th anniversary is not just a look back, but a “beacon of hope” for the years to come. With new funding secured and senior coordinators recently appointed, ECA is poised to continue its legacy of supporting the vulnerable, celebrating culture, and advocating for racial equality.

Cllr Margaret Greer, the mayor of Enfield highlighted the ECA’s significance as a cultural and community pillar for over four decades, emphasising its role in fostering diversity, unity, and pride within the borough.

“ECA is more than just an organisation. It is a home, a voice, a source of strength for generations of Caribbean people in Enfield. It represents our shared history, our resilience, and the determination of those who came before us to build something lasting for generations to come.”

“So tonight, we celebrate not just 40 years of history, we celebrate 40 years of pride of purpose and possibility.”

McInnis thanked the dedicated team of volunteers and partner organisations that enable ECA’s to provide community services such as the Luncheon Club and cultural activities including Windrush Day and Black History month celebrations. She concluded “Our anniversary event was not only a celebration of the past four decades. It was also about the future. Enabling ECA’s vision to expand its reach, activities and engage younger generations, ensuring the continuation of our vital services.”

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Check out the photographs from the event.