Derrick Scott

Jamaica-born, world-famous marine wildlife artist, oceanographer and film-maker, Dr Guy Harvey, is one of the notable Caribbean Americans to be honoured at the 20th Annual Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Award Gala to be held on November 22 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, DC.

Harvey will receive the Luminary Award. He is being honoured for his career as a diver, oceanographer, angler, film-maker, and marine biologist.

Harvey has helped to transform the public's appreciation for marine life and the ocean. With a network of partnerships through his many companies, Harvey's commitment to the preservation of the sea and his body of work have transformed appreciation of the ocean and marine life across the world.

Currently touring to promote his latest film Tiger Shark Express, Harvey's artwork is seen on boardwalks and beaches all across the United States and the Caribbean. His colourful depictions of sea life is inspired by his background as a marine biologist, diver, photographer, and angler.

Growing up in Jamaica, Harvey enjoyed all the sea had to offer by fishing and sailing. Soon, he was filling sketchbooks with the colourful aquatic life he observed, and he began selling his artwork, eventually launching his first art exhibition in 1985 - 44 of his pen-and-ink drawings inspired by Ernest Hemingway's classic novel The Old Man and the Sea.

Harvey's work spread throughout Florida, and eventually, he was taking on his biggest canvases of all: floor-to-ceiling murals at the Ft Lauderdale Airport and Nova Southeastern University.

work in ocean conservation

His work in ocean conservation is carried out through a network of organisations including the Guy Harvey Research Institute, which works to protect fisheries around the world; and the Guy Harvey Outposts, a collection of resorts that inspire guests to enjoy the ocean, promote sustainable tourism, and engage in activities that do not interfere with nature.

Other CARAH 2013 Honorees include Jamaican Kim Watson, vice-president of PEPCO; Etienne Charles, rising star in the jazz annals, from Trinidad and Tobago; and, Jimmy Jean Louis, star of Heoroes, who is Haitian. The event will follow the INVEST CARIBBEAN 2013 'Harvesting Opportunities in Agribusiness Value Chain'.

Proceeds from the CARAH Awards will support the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) programming, including production of Caribbean American Heritage Month 2014 programming - Annual Caribbean American Legislative Forum, White House Briefing, and World Ocean Day

Created in 1994, The Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala is presented by the ICS, founded by Dr Claire Nelson. The institute works to recognise the outstanding contributions of Caribbean immigrants to the United States.

The institute has recognised over 100 individuals, including the legendary Cicely Tyson, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and reggae great Jimmy Cliff.