Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2012

Show

Walt Willey

Host

Walt Willey studied in Fine Arts at university which is where he began his life in acting. After numerous Off-Broadway productions, including Dust Off and stints on NBC's Another World as “James La Russo”,Walt branched out into stand-up comedy in 1990 across the country, headlining at the famous comedy club Caroline’s in New York. He continues to tour nationally, and friend and fellow comic, The View’s Joy Behar, proposed him for membership into the famous Friars Club. Walt joined the likes of Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, and Billy Crystal when he was inducted into this prestigious entertainment fraternity in January 2001.

Walt co-hosted The 20th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, with Susan Lucci. He also co-hosted the 1992 Ford Supermodel of the World with Beverly Johnson, and again in 1993 with Rachel Hunter. Willey was co-host of ABC’s coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1994, 1995, and again in 1997. Walt also hosted Disney's A Magical Time in a Magical Place.

At Disney’s Super Soap Weekend, Walt has hosted the “Talk Show”, “Street Jam”, the game show “Super Soap Spin” and was the only person besides his friend Meredith Veira, to be allowed to host the on-property “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!”

Walt also regularly hosts charity fundraisers, and developed the WilleyWorld Endowment Fund, benefiting children’s charities.

Anastagia Pierre

Co Host

Anastagia Pierre is an international model, spokesperson, and television host. In 2011 she represented her home country of the Bahamas at the internationally televised Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ms. Pierre has also held the titles of Miss Florida Teen USA 2004, and Miss Florida USA 2009, making her the first Caribbean woman to represent the state of Florida at both Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants.

No stranger to the spotlight, Anastagia has graced catwalks all over the globe for leading designers such as Chloe, Betsey Johnson, and Christian Audigier. She became a worldwide media sensation after meeting Britain’s Prince Harry, and was named one of the “Hottest Beach Bodies of 2012” by US Weekly Magazine. She has been featured in publications such as the Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition, Self -Magazine, & Vanidades.

She is also a Station Host on NBC Miami on weekday mornings an on camera spokesperson for companies such as Diamonds International, Brookstone, & VPX Redline.

Louis Johnson

Comedian

Winner of Showtime Network’s ‘Funniest Person in America, CBS TV boasts that Louis Johnson is the “owner of the gift that every comic craves—the ability to draw the long, hearty laughs from start to finish. He leaves no doubt as to how much he enjoys performing stand-up. His satchel of side-aching funny material is filled with topics ranging from parenthood to politics.”

Influenced by Bill Cosby, Johnny Carson, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, and the ghetto musical comedy of Blowfly his comedy has brought him into several upcoming television, film, and theatrical appearances, Louis states that he will never give up the stand-up comedy arena. “Stand-up is pure,” he says with a sly smile. “On a movie or television set everyone has a suggestion about what you say and how to say it. But when it’s just you, the audience, a microphone, and the possibility of a true, one-of-a-kind, raw, naked shared experience—and it’s funny—nothing and I mean nothing can beat that.“

Alia Coley

Act

Alia Coley has a voice that sensually blends R&B, Neo-Soul and Jazz. Her 2010 album showcased an edgier side of the songstress as she infused elements of reggae and hip hop into her repertoire. Alia Coley has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed artists, such as, Patti Labelle, Eddie Lavert, Michael McDonald, Kelly Rowland and Nelly. Songwriting also being something she is very passionate about, gave her the opportunity to write the song “One More Try” for R&B sensation Chaka Khan.

Julian Garland

Act

One of Turks and Caicos Islands finest and most sought after singer, songwriter and composer. He is a multi-talented artist who has performed in numerous jazz and music festivals here in the islands and abroad. A lover of theatre, he have graced and portrayed in a number of musical plays and is a member of the well respected Friends of the Arts of Turks and Caicos.

Shawn Campbell

Act

A recording artist and 12 year veteran of the cabaret circuit in Jamaica, and is easily one of the island’s most exciting live performers. She has shared billing with the likes of R&B icons Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight and has opened for reggae superstars Shaggy, Mr. Vegas and Beenie Man, indicating her tremendous diversity as an artist.

Originally from Jamaic in 2008 she toured Europe with Mr.Vegas, 2009 she captivated audiences alongside Beenie Man in Turks & Caicos, 2006 she headlined to sold out audiences in Cincinatti, Ohio and has also performed in Miami and Antigua. An avid songwriter, she is self described as being a reggae fusion with strong pop and rock overtones.

Elroy Simmons

Act

From Salt Cay and is arguably one of the Turks & Caicos Islands’ top entertainers he is one of the founding members and bandleader of the local group Tropic Allstars, the Turks & Caicos premiere local band. He has been in the entertainment business for the past 20 years as a pianist and singer. He has been the opening act for numerous international starts such as Lionel Richie, Ziggy Marley, Beres Hammond; to name a few and is a local headliner at most of the country’s local island festivals.

He has toured with his local band across all of North America, the Bahamas and several of the Caribbean countries. He has recorded and collaborated on many different projects with both local and international artists.

Elroy’s suave and melodic voice has earned him comparisons with the likes of Luther Vandross, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Al Greene and many of the world’s top recording artists.