ELECTED & APPOINTED CAG 2024-2027 BOARD
CHAIR – CHEDWICK CRIEGHTNEY
Chedwick Creightney is a highly respected leader with extensive experience in community engagement, cultural advocacy, and strategic development. With a successful background in both nonprofit leadership and organizational growth, he brings a wealth of skills that would be invaluable to CAG’s mission and vision.
Throughout his career, Chedwick has championed initiatives that celebrate diversity and empower marginalized communities. His experience in managing large-scale projects, combined with his financial acumen and strategic thinking, positions him as an ideal candidate to lead Caribana into its next phase. As a dedicated advocate for Caribbean heritage, Chedwick is deeply committed to ensuring that Caribana remains an inclusive and impactful celebration of Caribbean culture for future generations.
Chedwick’s vision for CAG is one of growth, sustainability, and community empowerment. He is eager to serve as Chairperson to further strengthen Caribana’s role as a cultural pillar in Toronto, expanding its reach and impact while preserving its authenticity. His collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and passion for community engagement make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Board.
Chedwick Creightney’s election as Chair of CAG will bring impactful leadership and a renewed commitment to Caribana’s legacy.
Previous CAG Board of Director history:
Chedwick Creightney served as Director-at-Large on the 2021-2024 CAG Board
He was voted in by the Board on January 21, 2023
He has not served on CAG’s Board prior to 2023
VICE CHAIR – DAMIEN EDWIN
Damien Edwin brings a profound commitment to the carnival arts, having been immersed in this culture since childhood. His extensive professional background enhances his candidacy: with over 25 years in HR, Damien has a proven record of leadership and development expertise.
After migrating from Trinidad to Canada in 2008, he served as a Training Manager in the Damage Prevention sector with ON1Call. For the past 12 years, Damien has been with Enbridge, contributing across roles in Planning and Development, Operations, and now as an Emergency Management Specialist II within the Emergency Management and Incident Investigation Department.
Damien’s knowledge, business acumen, and extensive network of contacts make him exceptionally qualified to elevate The Caribana Arts Group’s profile. His unique blend of cultural insight, professional expertise, and dedication to community-driven arts positions him as an ideal candidate for the role of Vice Chair, with the vision and capability to support the growth and visibility of the organization.
Previous CAG Board of Director history:
Damien Edwin has never previously served on CAG’s Board
SECRETARY – ANDRIA BARRETT
Andria Barrett is the founder of the Diversity Agency, a speakers bureau and training company, helping organizations—from tech startups to non-profits to schools — create inclusive environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Andria serves as a board member to Help A Girl Out (HAGO) and has been appointed as a member of Humber College’s Program Advisory Committee (PAC). She is also an Activator with SheEO/Coralus. She is also Board Member with the Black Education Fund and a member of the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee with the Peel Regional Police.
Andria is excited to bring her diverse skills and previous board experience to CAG and is looking forward to serving on the 2024-27 Board.
Previous CAG Board of Director history:
Andria Barrett has never previously served on CAG’s Board
ASSISTANT SECRETARY – STACY HUGHES
Stacy Hughes is a results-oriented professional who is energized by a challenge. Hughes has over 20 years of administrative experience supporting management teams and employees through rapid change and growth. This has led to a proven track record of completing projects on schedule, with tight budgets.
Stacy’s administrative portfolio includes employment within the public sector at Toronto Hydro, which then progressed to healthcare. In addition, Stacy provides ad hoc consultation services for Divercity Consultants which provides diversity and cultural sensitivity training for corporate and government organizations.
Primarily in the healthcare industry for the majority of her career, operational experience has been obtained in both corporate non-union and union roles. Additionally, she has experience working with various boards of directors and ethics boards, writing new policies, and working directly with senior-level management and front-line workers.
Stacy is the niece of acclaimed and award-winning veteran masquerade (mas) maker, Arnold Hughes. He began his mas journey in Trinidad in the 1960s, which expanded to Toronto after immigrating. His band – Arnold Hughes and Associates – made immense contributions to Toronto’s “Caribana Festival” and he was the longest-standing mas contributors until his death in 2020. Starting from childhood, Stacy experienced first-hand the inner workings of a successful mas band and the culture from which it came.
With her administrative experiences, her family’s roots, and her passion for mas and the culture, Stacy will be a valuable addition to CAG’s board. She is dedicated to doing her part to keep the culture alive for future generations.
Previous CAG Board of Director history:
Stacy Hughes previously served on CAG’s 2021-2024 Board
Stacy was voted into the role of Secretary at the 2021 Elections however she resigned from the Board in December of 2022 due to personal reasons, serving approximately 1/3 of the term
She has not served on CAG’s Board prior to 2021
TREASURER – SEAN DeFREITAS
With over 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Sean De Freitas has been a steadfast and highly effective steward of CAG’s financial health, bringing professionalism, transparency, and a strategic approach to his role.
Sean’s extensive expertise in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning has been instrumental in strengthening CAG’s fiscal integrity. Under his tenure, he has enhanced budget
oversight, streamlined financial processes, and fostered financial transparency, ensuring CAG’s
resources are aligned with its mission. His insights have been invaluable in supporting Caribana’s growth, making him a trusted leader and advisor to the board.
Sean’s dedication to Caribana extends beyond his financial expertise. A committed advocate for
Caribbean culture and heritage, he is deeply invested in CAG’s mission to celebrate and promote Caribbean identity in Toronto and beyond. Sean seeks re-election to continue building a sustainable future for CAG, ensuring that Caribana remains a vibrant, inclusive, and financially secure event that unites and uplifts the community.
Re-electing Sean De Freitas as Treasurer would ensure continuity, financial prudence, and unwavering commitment to CAG’s vision. I fully endorse his nomination, confident in his exceptional capability and dedication to guiding Caribana forward.
Previous CAG Board of Director history:
Sean De Freitas served as Treasurer on the 2021-2024 CAG Board
He has not served on CAG’s Board prior to 2021
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE – CURTIS MASCALL
With over 30 years in financial services, Curtis Mascall excels in mortgage solutions, insurance, and sales strategy.
His experience with top-tier organizations like TD Canada Trust and AGF Trust showcases his ability to drive growth and build strong client relationships.
As Director of the United Business Golf Association of Canada, Curtis has honed his skills in financial planning, event coordination, and relationship management. His leadership has enhanced the organization’s golf
tournaments, benefiting participants and sponsors
alike.
Curtis’s excellent communication skills, combined with his expertise in financial planning and community engagement, make him a valuable asset to the Caribana Arts Group, ready to contribute to the community’s growth and success.
Previous CAG Board of Director history:
Curtis Mascall has never previously served on CAG’s Board