Thursday September 3rd to Monday September 7th, 2015

Transcription

323-325 Rogers Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225 or
P.O. Box 130192, St. Johns Place
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Tel: (718) 467-1797 • Fax:(718) 778-1808
WWW.WIADCACARNIVAL.ORG
E-mail: wiadcainc@gmail.com
Thursday September 3rd
to Monday September 7th, 2015
ALL SHOWS HELD AT
BROOKLYN MUSEUM
200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11236
2015 CARNIVAL JOURNAL
Published by:
WEST INDIAN AMERICAN DAY CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION
EDITOR: Jean P. Alexander
Co-Editor: Lucericia Messiah
Cover design: Avril St. Louis of AM Creative Group
GRAPHIC DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING:
Ricardo Robinson, LightSource Creative Studio
Photographer: William Farrington / Kevin Edwards
Page 1
WEST I NDI AN AMER IC AN DAY C ARN IVA L AS S OC IAT ION
2015 Carnival - Celebrating 48 Years
President’s Message
MR. THOMAS BAILEY
Greetings on behalf of the membership of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) as we
prepare to celebrate our 48th year of this cultural presentation here in New York with this year’s theme “One
Caribbean, One People, One Voice”.
Eastern Parkway and the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum come alive with color and the spectacle of this cultural
presentation on Monday September 7th, 2015 with the parade on the Parkway preceded by four (4) days of
concerts on the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum. (200 Eastern Parkway)
It’s very important that one is reminded that the focus of WIADCA has been shifted from a single weekend presentation
to that of year round programs and activities. Evidence of this is visible with the activities that have become annual
presentations,namelyourFamilyDay,MakeMusicNewYork,andChildrenX-masParty.Costumedesignworkshops,
Caribbean Restaurant Week, to name a few. These are in addition to the various established partnerships with many
of our city agencies and locally based arts, cultural and Health organizations with whom community programs are
sponsored for the benefit of the residents of our area.
None of these could have been possible without the support of our many hard working dedicated members who give
freely of their time, skills and energy to make things happen. I must say a special thank you to them not forgetting
the support of our sponsors, our Mas Bands and Steel bands. Our gratitude also goes out to the many political
representatives and the City and State agencies for their support and contributions to our efforts.
HAPPY CARNIVAL 2015 TO ALL.
Page 2
2015 WIADCA - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CALVIN COLLINS
GODFREY JACK
KAREN WILLIAMS
LARRY ALLAHDUA
MICHAEL GREAVES
RANDOLPH BABB
RANDY BREWSTER
YOLANDA LEZAMA-CLARKE
DR, LAMUEL STANISLAUS ERIC GIBBS Chairman
THOMAS BAILEY
President
WILLIAM R. HOWARD Vice President
BRYAN J. BLOCK
Vice President
DEBORAH BENJAMIN Vice President
ANGELA P. SEALY
Treasurer
JEAN P. ALEXANDER Board Secretary
Honorary Board Member
2015 WIADCA - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
ALICIA PIERRE
KAREN CRAWFORD
PATRICIA WARWICK
ALLYSON DURANT
KELVIN ROSS
PETER ABRAHAM
BEVERLY CRAIGWELL
KENNY ALEXANDER
RUDY J. TAYLOR
CALDERA CARABALLO
LUCERICIA MESSIAH, ESQ
RHEA SMITH
CARRIE BALLAH
LIONEL L BALMIR
SELENA BREWSTER
CECILLE A. FORD
MARLON YOUNG LAO
SHAVONN DOUGLIN-PEARCE
DYLLISS LEON-SOON
MATTHEW GRIFFITH
SABRA RICHARDSON
EDWIN CAYENNE
MICHAEL YOUNG LAO
SHYKA SCOTLAND
ELEANOR SERRETTE
MICHELLE GIBBS
STEPHANIE PARKER, ESQ
GREGORY IAN COX
MOLLY HERNANDEZ
THELDON SAM CORBIE
HYACINTH WILLIAMS
NADIA COLLINS
TRICIA THOMAS
JENNIFER HEADLY
NATASHA ANDREWS-NOEL
JOHANNA PIERRE
NATASHA HURDLE
2015 - WIADCA SPECIAL ADVISERS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
JOYCE QUAMINA
DELICIA HALLMAN
KIRA BRERETON, ESQ.
FRANK SEDDIO, ESQ
DECHERT, LLP - PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES
LAWYERS ALLIANCE FOR NEW YORK – PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSARTI – PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES
JEAN JOSEPH – JOSEPH TAX & CONSULTING SERVICES - AUDITOR
Page 3
WIADCA’S MISSION & HISTORY
MISSION
Topromote,developandcelebrateWestIndian/Caribbean
culture, arts, history and traditions through year-round
programstoexpandourculturalreachthroughouttheworld
whichculminateswithaweek-longdisplayoffestivitiesand
a grand finale Carnival parade.
ABOUT WIADCA
WIADCA’sisanon-profit,501(c)3tax-exemptorganization
comprisedofexperiencedandskilledbusinessandcommunity
representativesfromwithinthetri-statearea,manyIslandsand
theUSA.WepromoteCaribbeanculturalartformstodevelop
andencouragetalentedCaribbeannationalsandprovide
an enhanced life experience for the wider non-Caribbean
community.Weshowcasemusic,designandperformingarts
throughstagedeventsthroughouttheyearendingourseason
withatributetoour“CaribbeanCarnival”whilstpromotingthe
supportofthosebusinessesthatmakeitpossible.The5-day
festival culminates in a spectacular Carnival Parade on the
famousEasternParkwayinBrooklyn,NewYork.WIADCA
alsohostseducationalforums,culturalworkshops,networking
andspecialeventsduringtheyeartobroadenitscommunity
and educational goals.
NYC’S CARNIVAL HISTORY
NYCCarnivalwasborninHarlemintheearly1930’sinthe
GrandBallroomsoftheRenaissance,Audubon,Savoyand
othervenuesintheformofindoor“costumeparties”presented
byWestIndianimmigrantswhowere“homesick”atCarnival
timeandtriedtorecreatetheirCarnivaltraditionshereinthe
USAastheyrememberedintheirhomecountriesofTrinidad&
Tobago,GrenadaandSt.Vincent-etc,astheverycoldLenten
Seasonapproached.Intheearly1940’s,ledbyTrinidadian,
Ms. Jessie Wardell, the West Indian Carnival was brought
ontotheStreetsinHarlem.Afteranumberofyears,therapidly
growingspectacleattractedopposinggroupsandwasfinally
stopped.RufusGoring,aTrinidadianwhoproducedcostumes
for Harlem Carnival, staged a small carnival in Brooklyn in
1965.However,hedidnothavea“permit”andtheauthorities
stoppedthecelebration.Goringenlistedthehelpofhisfriend,
TrinidadianCarlosLezama,avery‘strongwilled’steelpan
playerwhowasalsodetermined,ambitiousandcharismatic
and who always found a way to get things done. The West
IndianAmericanDayCarnivalAssociation(WIADCA)was
established in Brooklyn in 1967 under Mr. Lezama and a
handful of dedicated members.
Hewasre-electedmanytimesduringhis34yearpresidency.
In2001,hisdaughterYolandaLezama-Clarkwaselectedas
Presidentandservedfor10years.In2012,ThomasBaileywas
elected.WilliamR.Howardservedduringthe2014Carnival
season,withBaileyreturningsoonaftertocompletehisterm
of office, and is currently serving as President of WIADCA
along with a group of dedicated Members. WIADCA’s all
volunteer membership roster have expanded to over 50
persons.Anotherpart-timegroupofsome100“seasonal”
volunteerscomplimentthemembershipwithtasksrequired.
Page 4
256 YEARS AGO,
WE SIGNED A
9,000 YEAR LEASE.
WE HAVE A LOT MORE
BEER TO MAKE.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
©2015 Guinness & Co. Imported by DIAGEO - Guinness USA, Norwalk, CT.
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
T H E C I T Y O F N EW Y O R K
O FFI C E O F T H E M A Y O R
N EW Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 0 7
September 7, 2015
Mayor Bill de Blasio
Dear Friends:
I am delighted to join the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association in extending
greetings to everyone celebrating the 48th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade.
Every summer, residents throughout the five boroughs and well beyond await
WIADCA’s famed Parade with great anticipation, and understandably so! By hosting a number
of year-round events, including the unparalleled Labor Day procession down Eastern Parkway,
WIADCA not only showcases the Caribbean’s vibrant culture and historic traditions, but also
reminds us of the many gifts inherent in our great and global home. New York’s diversity has
always been the source of both our singularity and our strength, and we are particularly fortunate
to be home to the single largest West Indian community outside of the islands. As doctors,
teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists and more, Caribbean New Yorkers are integral to every
sector of our City. I am delighted to seize this moment to praise their indelible impact and to
reaffirm my commitment to ensure all New Yorkers have access to the opportunities they
deserve.
On behalf of the City of New York, Chirlane and I offer our best wishes for a terrific
celebration and continued success.
Sincerely,
Bill de Blasio
Mayor
Page 9
HONORABLE SYLVIA G. ASH
NEW YORK STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
Additionally, Justice Ash was very active in her community and
volunteered her legal talent and acumen to numerous civic,
religious, labor and not-for-profit organizations including youth
mentor-ship programs. Justice Ash has always been a strong
and vocal advocate of children’s rights issues and supported
programs that impact the development of the family unit. These
issues motivated her to volunteer as a victim services liaison for
battered women and abused children.
Inadditiontohercurrentjudicialresponsibilities,JusticeAshserves
asaBoardDirectorontheBrooklynWomen’sBarAssociation,the
Judicial Friends Association, Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer
AlertAssociation,theNathanR.SobelKingsCountyAmericanInns
ofCourt,Q’KingdomMinistries,Inc.,andSt.Gabriel’sEpiscopal
Church Senior Citizen Center. Justice Ash was recently
elected as the first female Chair of the Board of Directors of the
Municipal Credit Union, the largest credit union in New York
which will be celebrating its centennial in 2016.
Honorable Sylvia G. Ash is a Justice of the Supreme Court of the
StateofNewYorkinKingsCounty.PriortoherelectiontoSupreme
Court, Justice Ash served as a New York City Civil Court Judge
in Kings County. Justice Ash was the first Caribbean-American
woman to be elected as a Civil Court Judge in a County-wide
election.
Additionally, Justice Ash is an active member of numerous Bar
AssociationsandtheCaribbeanAmericanChamberofCommerce
& Industry, Inc. Justice Ash has been the recipient of numerous
citations and awards, including the Brooklyn Bar Association
AwardforRecognitionofOutstandingAchievementintheScience
of Jurisprudence and Public Service.
In 1984, immediately after graduating from Howard University
School of Law, Justice Ash accepted a position as a Judicial Law
Clerk in the Superior Court of New Jersey. Justice Ash was the first
personofcolortoserveinthisposition.In1985,JusticeAshjoined
the legal staff of District Council 37 Municipal Employees Legal
Services. In this labor union setting, Justice Ash provided legal
representationtotheCouncil’s125,000State,CityandMunicipal
employees in the areas of Real Estate, Family, Administrative
and Immigration Law. She was the Supervising attorney on the
Family and Administrative Law Units and the Chief Counsel of
the Immigration Law Unit.
Justice Ash earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Howard
University School of Law in 1984. She was admitted to practice
law in the State of New York in 1985 and in the United States
District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts, in 1990. Justice
Ash was born in the Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago.
Her mother was born in Grenada and her father was born in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines. Justice Ash had the privilege and
enjoyment of living in all three Islands and refers to herself as a
proud Trini-Grenadian-VincyAmerican.
Prior to taking the judicial bench, Justice Ash was a practicing
attorneyforover20years.Inthiscapacity,sheservedasGeneral
Counsel for the NAACP’s Social Services Chapter in New York
City where she provided pro bono legal services to the Chapter’s
members.
Justice Ash is always mindful of the fact that she was elected
by the people to serve the people. She lives in the Ditmas Park
section of Brooklyn, New York, and is the proud parent of Ashton
Ghaffaar, a 2015 graduate from the University of San Diego in
San Diego, California.
Page 10
MAXINE WILLIAMS
GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AT FACEBOOK
Maxine Williams is the Global Director of Diversity at Facebook. In this role,
she develops strategies to harness the unlimited potential of Facebook’s talent
while managing a high-performing team of diversity program managers
from the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, CA. Prior to Facebook,
she served as the Director of Diversity for a global law firm. A graduate
of Yale University, she received her law degree with first class honors from
Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. As an attorney, she has
represented clients in criminal, civil and industrial courts in both her native
Trinidad and in the U.K. at the Privy Council. She has worked with multiple
international organizations on development and human rights issues and has
had a parallel career as a broadcast journalist and on-air presenter.
Page 11
Kenneth Mapp
theConsumerServicesAdministration,nowtheDepartment
of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
By 1994, Mapp had earned the confidence of candidate
for governor, Roy L. Schneider, who chose Mapp as his
runningmate.Theircampaignwassuccessful,andKenneth
Mapp was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor on January
2, 1995.
Kenneth E. Mapp was born in Brooklyn, New York to
Alfred Mapp and Vashti Hewitt Mapp. He is one of five
siblings.In1961,hemovedtoSt.Croix,UnitedStatesVirgin
Islands,wherehewasraisedbyhismaternalgrandmother,
Almina N. Hewitt. Mapp would attend St. Croix Central
High School, and graduate in 1973.
Career
Soonaftergraduatingfromhighschool,Mappwasaccepted
for training by the New York City Police Department, later
joiningthedepartmenttoserveinBrooklyn’s83rdprecinct.
He later became an officer of the Virgin Islands Police
Department, members of which elected him president of
the Police Benevolent Association.
Mapp’spublicservicecareercontinuedin1982,whenhe
becameoneofsevencandidateselectedtoservetheDistrict
of St. Croix in the 15th Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
Subsequently, he was elected to serve again as Senator in
the18thand20thLegislatures.Givenhislawenforcement
background, Mapp won assignment as Chairman of the
Committee on Public Safety and Judicial Affairs.
When not serving in an elected office, Kenneth Mapp
remainedactiveinpublicservice.Hewasnamedassistant
directoroftheIndustrialDevelopmentCommission,nowthe
IndustrialDevelopmentAuthority,andservedasDirectorof
Afterafouryearterminoffice,Mappcontinuedhiseducation.
He earned a master’s degree in Public Administration at
HarvardUniversity’sJohnF.KennedySchoolofGovernment,
and completed the Advanced Management Program at
the Harvard School of Business. Mapp also completed
other fellowships at Harvard, and at the Carnegie-Mellon
University in Pittsburgh, Pa. Now prepared to take on
increasingly more complex challenges, he accepted
appointment by Governor Charles Turnbull to become
DirectorofFinanceandAdministrationfortheVirginIslands
PublicFinanceAuthority.Duringhistenure,thePFAsecured
the first ever investment grade ratings on VI governmentbackedsecurities,whichprovidedneededcapitalformajor
public sector financing needs, and those of HOVENSA.
LLC, the territory’s largest private sector employer at the
time. Given his expertise in finance and management,
Mapp oversaw major capital projects, and provided the
Governorwithdetailedanalysistosupportcrediblebudget
projections for Legislative approval.
OnJanuary6,2015,KennethE.Mappwassworninasthe
eighthelectedGovernoroftheUnitedStatesVirginIslands.
With his running mate, Osbert E. Potter, the team earned
nearly 64% of the popular vote in a run-off election held on
November 18, 2014. Expressing his great pride and joy
to have his 95 year old mother witness his inauguration,
Governor Mapp accepted the uniquely designed Symbol
of Office from the President of the Legislature, as he also
accepted the responsibilities of his great office.
Page 12
Earl Phillips
SECRETARY-TREASURER, TWU LOCAL 100
things operated, and he began advocating for safer work
places.Hisactivismanddeterminationtoprotectthesafety
of all transit workers propelled him to a job with the union
asaFieldSafetyRepresentative.Heservedinthatcapacity
from 2002 until 2005.
In 2005, Earl returned to the shop floor of the depots in
his hired title as a chassis maintainer until 2010, where he
teamedupwithcurrentLocal100PresidentJohnSamuelson
to form a slate that among other things promised a more
aggressiveworkplacesafetyagenda.Asuccessfulelection
campaign brought the Samuelsen slate to office in 2010,
and Earl was named Director of Safety and Health. The
following year, the Local 100 Executive Board elected
Earl to fill an unexpected vacancy in the office of Local
Secretary Treasurer. In 2013, the Local 100 membership
elected Earl to a full three-year term in that office.
EarlPhillipsisSecretaryTreasureroftheTransportWorkers
Union,Local 100, the largest transportation Local union in
the country. TWU Local 100 represents 40,000 members
employed by MTA-New York City Transit (NYCT), MTA
Bus, and private bus companies in Queens, Brooklyn and
Westchester.AsSecretaryTreasurer,Phillipsisresponsible
for assuring that all the finances are safeguarded and are In addition to Earl’s role as Secretary Treasurer, he serves
in conformity with the GAAP standards for preparation of as TWU Local 100’s Trustee on the Board of the New
examination and audit.
York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS), which
manages assets totaling $137 billion.
A native-born Barbadian, Earl immigrated to the United
States in1987 and made Brooklyn, New York his home. Recently, Earl was honored for his outstanding service
He is the proud father of two wonderful children; lovely in labor by the New York Chapter of the NAACP at their
daughter Tina, 30, and handsome son Alexander, 14. annual Freedom Gala. He is also a lifetime member of
this organization.
In 1989, Earl successfully started his own auto repair
shop in Brooklyn. In 1993, he secured employment with Earl is an active member of the Board of the Bed-Stuy
the NYCT as a Chassis Maintainer. He worked out of the CampaignAgainstHunger(BSCAH).BSCAHisthelargest
East New York bus depot in Brooklyn, and the Gun Hill food pantry in Brooklyn, providing the basic staples of
and Kingsbridge bus depots in the Bronx.
a well-balanced diet to more than 12,000 low-income
people ranging from single mothers with children, senior
In 1994, after one year with NYCT, he decided to dissolve citizens, and people with disabilities.
hisautorepairshopandconcentrateonhisjobwithNYCT.
While on the job, Earl often witnessed work situations
that compromised the safety and livelihoods of his fellow
workers. He felt compelled to make changes in the way
Page 13
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September 7, 2015
Dear Friends:
Greetings to everyone celebrating the 48th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival.
The Caribbean Carnival is one of the most festive, vibrant, and joyful events in New York City.
Each year, more than one million people take part in this jubilant celebration of Caribbean
culture, arts, and traditions. I want to thank the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association
for the tremendous work they do to make the festival and parade such a success. Without their
considerable efforts, this hugely popular event would not be possible.
Congratulations on another successful Carnival, and have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day
weekend.
All the best,
William J. Bratton
Police Commissioner
Page 15
Congratulates WIADCA
on it’s 48th Anniversary
Office of New York City Comptroller
Scott M. Stringer
September 1, 2015
West Indian American Day Carnival Association
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Dear Friends,
It is an honor to extend greetings to all attending the 48th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival,
presented by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association.
Tracing its history to Jessie Waddle’s Harlem-based celebrations in the 1920s, the West Indian
American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has been celebrating the arts and Caribbean
culture in New York City for nearly a century. Today, WIADCA brings programs that celebrate
West Indian history, traditions, art, and culture to New Yorkers throughout the year. These
festivities culminate in the weeklong Labor Day Carnival Parade, which more than one million
people participate in annually.
Thank you to the West Indian American Day Carnival Association for organizing this amazing
display of tradition, culture, and community. Please accept my best wishes for continued success.
Sincerely,
Scott M. Stringer
New York City Comptroller
Page 17
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
YVETTE D. CLARKE
9TH DISTRICT, NEW YORK
September 1, 2015
Greetings,
THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY
It is my honor to congratulate West Indian-American Day Carnival Association as
you celebrate your Forty Eight Anniversary. As the daughter of immigrants from the
Island of Jamaica who celebrates her Caribbean heritage, I am pleased to watch your
organization demonstrate the love within the Caribbean Diaspora.
People from around the United States, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world
come to Brooklyn to celebrate – to reunite with family members and friends and to
enjoy the parade. I have had the privilege of participating since I was a child.
On behalf of New York’s Ninth Congressional District, I would like to commend
President Thomas Bailey, Chairman Eric Gibbs, and the entire Board of Directors for their
dedication to the celebration of the Caribbean culture and to our Diaspora. I wish the
West Indian-American Day Carnival Association continued success in the future.
THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY
Mr. Thomas Bailey
September 1, 2015
President, WIADCA
323-325 Rogers Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11225
September
2015
Dear
Thomas1,Bailey
N. Nick Perry
Member of Assembly
58th Assembly District
DEPUTY
MAJORITY LEADER
N. Nick Perry
Member of Assembly
District
58th Assembly
As a proud son of the West Indies, and more specifically the glorious island of Jamaica,
it
Bailey
is Mr.
withThomas
great pride
and pleasure that I join with the West Indian American Day Carnival
President,
WIADCA
Association, and all West Indian-Americans in the New York Diaspora in the grand
th
DEPUTY
323-325 Rogers
Ave.
celebration
of the 48
Annual New York Caribbean Carnival.
MAJORITY LEADER
Brooklyn, NY 11225
It is with great eagerness and enthusiasm that I join you today, and those who will find
various
ways ofBailey
participating from across America and the globe, to revel in the
Dear Thomas
excitement of marching down Eastern Parkway on Labor Day 2015. It is always a
brilliant
spectacle
of immense
pleasure
to be in the
attendance
moreofthan
one it
As a proud son ofand
thesource
West Indies,
and more
specifically
gloriousas
island
Jamaica,
million
united
banners
of cultural
pride,
to Carnival
share the
is withspectators
great prideand
andparticipants,
pleasure that
I joinunder
with the West
Indian
American
Day
vibrant
and rich
culture
of the
Caribbean.
Association,
and
all West
Indian-Americans
in the New York Diaspora in the grand
celebration of the 48th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival.
As immigrants who have made significant contributions to building this nation and our
great
enjoy
today’sand
festivities
withthat
serious
aboutand
persistent
antiIt is city,
with we
great
eagerness
enthusiasm
I joinconcern
you today,
those who
will find
immigrant
sentiments
and the deliberate
misuse
of this
environment
various ways
of participating
from across
America
andawful
the globe,
to revelto
inscore
the
political
points
for some of
our national
leaders. on
WeLabor
are thankful
that New
York does
excitement
of marching
down
Eastern Parkway
Day 2015.
It is always
a not
embrace
practice,
has welcomed
itspleasure
still growing
population,
and is
brilliantthis
spectacle
andbut
source
of immense
to be immigrant
in attendance
as more than
one
joining
with
us
in
this
sharing
and
celebration
of
our
heritage.
million spectators and participants, united under the banners of cultural pride, to share the
vibrant and rich culture of the Caribbean.
On behalf of all the people I represent in the 58th Assembly District, I extend the warmest
Caribbean
best wishes
for amade
brightsignificant
sunny day,
and safe celebration
forthis
carnival.
wish
As immigrants
who have
contributions
to building
nation Iand
our
God’s
andenjoy
inspiration
guiding you,
organization,
and this
carnival
for many
great grace
city, we
today’sinfestivities
withyour
serious
concern about
persistent
antiyears
to
come.
immigrant sentiments and the deliberate misuse of this awful environment to score
political points for some of our national leaders. We are thankful that New York does not
Sincerely,
embrace this practice, but has welcomed its still growing immigrant population, and is
joining with us in this sharing and celebration of our heritage.
Sincerely,
Yvette D. Clarke
Member of Congress
On behalf of all the people I represent in the 58th Assembly District, I extend the warmest
N.Caribbean
Nick Perry
best wishes for a bright sunny day, and safe celebration for carnival. I wish
Member
of Assembly
God’s grace
and inspiration in guiding you, your organization, and this carnival for many
years to come.
Sincerely,
District Office: 903 Utica Avenue ● Brooklyn, New York 11203 ● (718) 385-3336
N. Nick Perry
Member of Assembly
District Office: 903 Utica Avenue ● Brooklyn, New York 11203 ● (718) 385-3336
Page 18
MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO
THE COUNCIL
OF
THE CITY OF NEW YORK
CITY HALL
TELEPHONE
SPEAKER
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7210
September 3-7, 2015
Dear Friends,
Greetings to everyone gathered here today as the West Indian American Day Carnival
Association (WIADCA) celebrates their 48th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival
Week!
One of the things that makes our city such a great place to live are the millions of
immigrants, past and present, who have come here to build better lives for themselves
and their families. Their hard work and culture, their struggles and triumphs, have helped
make New York one of the greatest, most diverse cities in the world.
That’s why we are fighting today for a more equal and just New York – so that future
generations can continue to pursue their dreams here and help make our city even more
vibrant and stronger.
As we kick off this year’s carnival, I would like to thank WIADCA and its wonderful
members and volunteers for once again putting together this exciting cultural event and
for the important work that they have been doing year-round to help strengthen and uplift
our city’s West Indian community.
I hope everyone has a wonderful time at this year’s celebration. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO
Speaker
Page 19
Toward putting Panorama in perspective
Les Slater
Itoughttohavereceivedpriorityfocusbygatekeeperswellbefore
now and, who knows, the horse may already have been too
long bolted from the stable. But there’s a good case to be made
that Panorama, having arrived in 1963 in Trinidad and Tobago
as a fine addition to the Carnival tapestry, has come to be a
dominatingpresenceonthesteelpanscenethatforyearshashad
asuffocatingeffectonotheravenuesofgrowthpotentialfortheart
form. Pigeonholing steelpan music as musical novelty good only
for a designated setting or settings does a disservice to a stunning
artistic invention. A myopic take on pan’s possibilities gaining
credence elsewhere than in Trinidad and Tobago is unfortunate.
But any trend toward stifling the pan’s potential in its birthplace
betraysmind-bogglingmisdirection.Sadly,suchaturnhasindeed
beentaken;adisproportionateemphasisonPanoramahasbeen
a major contributing factor.
Let’s, however be very clear that Panorama remains, overall, one
of the positive things to have happened to the pan culture. There
are those who believe, not without merit, that as an entertainment
feature,Panoramahasbeenill-advisedlyallowedtoevolvealong
lines that have diminished the punch it once packed. Certainly,
an earlier period when “spirit of Carnival” rather than concertstage performance (calypso rhythm notwithstanding) informed
the nature of the fare presented, made for audiences’ greater
enjoyment of the event. But the basic idea of a competitive forum
for bands to strut their stuff is as solid a release valve as any for the
energy build-up among participants.
Any true pan-loving T&T national sensitized to the unique and
honored place the steelpan can rightly claim in the music world
should be troubled by Panorama competitions being the zenith
of pan’s aspirations. It likely pivots back to an under-valuing of
the instrument in the national psyche, perhaps fostered by its
origins, having precluded the instrument’s full embrace even by
the “conventional” music community. Even formal declaration of
thepanasTrinidadandTobago’s“nationalinstrument”evidently
failed to convey to many, including the music community, that the
panwasentitledtoa“big-up”intheculturewellbeyondPanorama
as be-all and end-all of its raison d’etre. And that, for example,
in the music community, Machel, Roots, Cape, Joey…needed
to revisit the level of respect accorded the instrument, up to and
including incorporating it into their own organizations.
In the spirit of all that, one would have preferred a more inspired
choicebyPanTrinbagothan wasrecentlystagedinPortofSpain.
Theideaofamajoreventinvolvingpansidesfromacrosstheworld
presentssuchunlimitedpossibilities,whyreachreflexivelyforthe
Panorama blueprint as the only game in town? Inviting foreign
bands to “compete” where they obviously wouldn’t be matching
upwellwithlocalswasinaneandawastedopportunity.Asitwas,
T&TPanoramaoverkillfor2015iswhatessentiallywasservedup.
Again,thisisnoadvocacyofPanorama’sexitfromthepanuniverse.
There is much about its presentation that could be tweaked, to be
sure. Space doesn’t permit detailed consideration here of those
pros and cons. But there is need, we believe, for critical appraisal
of a mindset in the movement in which Panorama, as anointed
goldstandardofpanenterprise,sooverwhelmsthespace,evento
theextentofinhibitingdiligentexplorationofalternativeupwardmobility vehicles for the pan. Caretakers should assume that the
Panorama model as pan music’s “magic bullet” cannot endure
indefinitely. Meaningful preemptive planning is required. And
tinkering with Panorama’s format in ways guaranteed to reduce,
rather than enhance its attractiveness, isn’t it.
Let’s enjoy Panorama. But let’s also be mindful that we’ll be selling
woefully short the marvelous instrument we gifted to the music
world,ifwemisguidedlyperceivePanoramaas“thewholedeal”
for pan.
-- Les Slater, many years a columnist for Caribbean Life,
is chairman/founder of the Trinidad & Tobago Folk Arts Institute.
Page 22
Mas:
Lessons from the ‘
by: Delicia Hallman
AsNewYorkpreparesforthe48thannualWestIndianAmerican
Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) parade on Labor Day in
Brooklyn, the rest of the US is in a disparate frenzy. With US
Presidential elections 14 months away, and an extraordinary
numberofattention-grabbingcandidates,themediaandpublic
are agog with a different type of excitement. Some political
platforms seek to divide and conquer, and polarize the nation
into its separate elements, on whose shoulders they’ll march to
the White House.
Any Caribbean school child would scoff at the idea of the bush,
okra,andcoconutmilkservedseparatelyascallaloo.Theyknow
itmuststeamtogether,manytimesunderheavypressure,hissing
and spewing until it melts into the fragrant brew, served over
white rice, made redolent of verdant islands and warm hearts.
Big, small and medium islands, we are all in the same pot in
our US home. The accents, music, and flags we treasure as our
differences are inconsequential to the larger scale. We are the
last-in-towninthisfete.TheItalians,Irish,British,EasternEuropeans
andAsianshaveallestablishedpowerfulnetworkssociallyand
professionally and they populate the corridors of authority, of
commerceandofsociety.Andtheyunderstandtheimportanceof
maintaining their cultural traditions.
We have yet to establish our own “Little Caribbean” in New
York. But for a few special days, our people gather, bless and
celebrate our food, music and art. And what food, from the best
oftheAfrican,Indian,ChineseandEuropean!Music,according
to David Rudder “to make a politician cringe, or turn a woman’s
bodyintojelly.” Andart,whichcomesaliveonthevibrantbodies
of our children, our neighbors, our community, danced proudly
beneathasunwhichshinesonusall.Theplatformsaroundwhich
we meet bounce with artistes who explode into a euphoria of
rags, flags and bandannas. Real, unchecked joy is on the face
of the congregation. And the visitors look upon us in awe, and
wonder.
Perhaps we are more the same than different, whether
Kadooment, Cropover or Carnival. On the Parkway, that sweet
Monday which heralds September, we will eat the best food on
earth,dancetothebestmusicandhugthebestfriendsandfamily
anyone could have. This is our Carnival, from our Caribbean
anditisbiggerthanpolitical,geographicandsocialboundaries.
Maybe this is the lesson we can teach the rest of the US, as we
acceptandrecognizethewayforwardasonemightyCaribbean
nation.
Small in number we might be, but the heart of the Caribbean
man and woman are all the same underneath the sequins,
feathers and glitter. The songs that sing in our heart are hope
to do better, to reach further and to be the best we could be.
While at NYU’s graduate program, the only Jamaican and the
only Trini found each other, and became firm friends - as only the
other understood the experience of being chased by a cow, the
longingof“Lorraine”proportionsthatseizesusCarnivalFriday,
and our utter inability to stand still when we hear a pan.
Page 23
We Celebrate 48 Years of Carnival Parades
Caribbean Life Congratulates WIADCA’s 2015 Grand Marshals:
Hon. Sylvia G. Ash
Ms. Maxine Williams
Mr. Kenneth E. Mapp
Mr. Earl Phillips
Supreme Court Justice & Chairperson
at Municipal Credit Union (MCU)
Director of Diversity
at Facebook
Governor
of the US Virgin Islands
Secretary/Treasurer TWU Local 100
Celebrating 25 Years as North America’s
Largest Caribbean Newspaper
718-260-2510
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Page 25
NEW YORK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL;
One Caribbean, One Expression, One Carnival
TheNewYorkCaribbeanCarnivalParadeisaNewYorkinstitution.
Jessie Wardell and some of her Caribbean friends began the
paradeinHarlemin1930s. Assuchtheparadewasbornduring
theHarlemrenaissance.AssuchtheNewYorkCaribbeanCarnival
paradewasaproductofthecultural,social,andartisticexplosion.
Ms. Wardell and her friends began by staging costume parties
in large enclosed places during the wintry months. The parade
beganasanodetothepre-LentencelebrationsoftheTrinidadand
TobagoCarnivalandotherrelatedcelebrationsaroundtheworld.
EmbracingNewYorkandwantingtocreate
a true carnival street parade the costume
parties began to transform.
The earliest known carnival street parade
was held on September 1, 1947. The
TrinidadCarnivalPageantCommitteewas
thefoundingforcebehindtheparade,which
was held in Harlem. The parade route was
alongSeventhAvenue,startingat110thSt.
From1947to1964,theparadewasheldin
Harlem. After the permit to hold the parade
in Harlem was revoked, Rufus Goring a
costume designer staged a small Carnival
in Brooklyn, however, he did not have the
requiredpermitandtheauthoritiesstopped
it.GoringthenenlistedtheassistanceofhisfriendCarlosLezama,
whoputasmallcommitteetogether,whicheventuallybecamethe
WestIndianAmericanDayCarnivalAssociation(“WIADCA”),
obtained approval for the parade to be established on Eastern
Parkway in Brooklyn, where it remains today. Thus from
approximately1966tothepresentdayWIADCAhaskept
the parade alive.
TheNewYorkCaribbeanCarnivalisaNewYorkCity
institutionfoundedfortheproliferationofthe
CARRIBBEAN CARNIVAL ARTS. It has its
own history and tradition. It is one of the
mostwellknowcarnivalsoutsideoftheCaribbean. TheNewYork
CaribbeanCarnivalhasblossomedintoaneventthatshowcases
theCARIBBEANCARNIVALARTSfromallCaribbeancountries.
Although founded by individuals with roots from the island of
TrinidadandTobago,theNewYorkCaribbeanCarnivalhasgrown
toshowcasemanyCARIBBEANCARNIVALARTS.AstheCaribbean
regiongrowsandbenefitsfromasymbioticrelationshipbetween
all of the islands so too has the CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL ARTS
become a phenomenon of all of the Caribbean
islands. All of the islands have their own specific
CARNIVAL ARTS but each island has benefited
from a proliferation of carnival throughout the
region where now the CARNIVAL ARTS bloom
as one.
Costume designers from Trinidad and Tobago
and other islands design costumes for carnivals
throughouttheregion;Trinidadiansongwriters
write songs for Barbadian singers; St Lucian
songwriterswritesongsforTrinidadiansingers;
Trinidadiansteelpancomposerscomposeforsteel
bands across the region and so on. What has
happenedisthatthroughtheyearstheCARNIVAL
ARTS have become its own art form and is truly
representative of the Caribbean region. It is the Caribbean life’s
blood and all islands and people embrace it.
The New York Caribbean Carnival is also a melting pot of this
trulyCARIBBEANCARNIVALARTSmovement. Itisimportantthat
the New York Caribbean Carnival continue to survive as it is a
promotion of the CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL ARTS. WIADCA
was founded and is dedicated to the preservation of the
NewYorkCaribbeanCarnivalasadisplayofthe
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL ARTS.
Page 26
IMMIGRATION FORUM:
Outreach to the Community
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association along with
the District Attorney’s Office of Brooklyn hosted an Immigration
Forum for all nationals of the Caribbean Islands. This forum was
the first of its kind and was held in June to celebrate Caribbean
month. The forum took place at Saint Mathews Church in Crown
Heights. Its provided an educational, informative and interactive
experienceforthosethatattended.Hon.KennethP.Thompsonfrom
the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office was the keynote speaker.
Mr. Bill Howard from the West Indian American Day Carnival
Associationrepresentativespokeontheimportantofimmigration
USA having the freedom. City Council Mathieu Eugene was also
present.
The panelist consisted of the following: New York
Immigration coalition (NYIC) Mayra Aldas-Deckett; New York
LegalAssistanceGroup(NYLAG)–Mary-AnnTharappel;United
StatesCitizenshipandImmigrationServices–(USCIS)–Shyconia
Burden;andImmigrationFraudUnitIFU)-JoseInteriano/Sabrina
Thanse.TheCatholicMigrationServicesandtheGeneralConsulate
of Haiti also assisted with the program. In addition, Consulate
Generals Hon. Julian DuBois from St. Lucia and Dr. Donna HunteCox form Barbados attended the program and representatives
ConsulateofficesfromTrinidadandTobagoandJamaica. Topics
covered included free legal services and clinics for the immigrant
communityandhowtobeawareofimmigrationfraud. Panelistalso
discussedthenaturalizationprocessandotherimmigrationissues.
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to achieving
equal justice and public safety by fairly enforcing the law and
using innovative strategies to prevent crime. The Brooklyn District
Attorney’sOfficeisdedicatedtoachievingequaljusticeandpublic
safetybyfairlyenforcingthelawandusinginnovativestrategiesto
prevent crime.
After the forum the attendees were able to speak to the panelist
individually of their choice. More than 250 people attended.
Many people were able to speak with representative from their
Consulates in reference to passports and other matters.
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 32
A FEW OTHER EVENTS SPONSORED BY WIADCA INC.
Make Music
Make Music New York is a live, free musical celebration, the longest day of the year,
with over 1,200 concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the five boroughs. Now
in its ninth year, Make Music New York, “the largest music event ever to grace Gotham”
(Metro New York), is a unique free festival concerts in public spaces throughout the five
boroughs of New York City, all on June 21st, the first day of summer. MMNY takes place
simultaneously with similar festivities in more than 700 cities around the world – a global
celebration of music making. WIADCA host’s its version of Make Music New York in
Ronald Mc-Nair Park in Brooklyn from 2pm - 6pm with live performance by Delivered, Q
City Soundz, KoJo Stone, Status IV.
Family Day
The WIADCA Family Day is dedicated to promoting healthy family life by reinforcing the bond
between family members through fun filled activities, cultural performances and health screenings.
The entire day is filled with complementary food and refreshments and activities for the entire
family; including a mini-concert featuring performances by local talent from New York City and
the Caribbean. In addition, there is a unique blend of dance, storytelling, health counselling
and fun fitness. Families also have the opportunity to participate in face painting, carnival arts
workshops and other planned activities.
Christmas Party
In 2004, WIADCA started its Holiday Christmas Party for underprivileged children in Brooklyn.
Through the continued support from Healthfirst, NY Police Department and the US Marines Toys
for Tots Program more than 500 new gifts are collected, wrapped, and distributed, with the
help of Santa Claus to children from 1 month to 10 years old. The event is free of charge and
includes food, drinks, music and games.
WIADCA Carnival Design Workshop
WIADCA’s Carnival Design Workshop is aimed at educating and teaching Caribbean Culture and
its many art forms. Through the mask (mas) making classes, students learn the basics of constructing
costumes pieces, understand and make use of different types of materials used by the band leaders.
They learn the importance of “masks” in different societies around the world. The objective of the
program is for students to gain an awareness, appreciation and understanding of Caribbean culture.
Participants get to create their own costume pieces. Classes are broken down in two different
sections:
1.
Theory: This teaches about carnival, the various traditional carnival characters and
there role in carnival, as well as carnivals around the world and steelband music
2.
Practical- Provide the materials needed to design and construct costume (head piece,
arm, leg, waist and chest pieces). Students also display their designs with a mini
parade at the end of he workshops and also during the junior carnival for
Labor Day weekend. Participants get to parade in a mini carnival for the
grand finale. They are also awarded certificates of completion.
Page 35
THE COUNCIL
OF
CHAIR
WOMEN’S ISSUES
COMMITTEES
CULTURAL AFFAIRS
FINANCE
HIGHER EDUCATION
PUBLIC HOUSING
YOUTH SERVICES
LAURIE A. CUMBO
COUNCIL MEMBER
35 DISTRICT, BROOKLYN
TH
September 7, 2015
West Indian American Day Carnival Association, Inc.
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Greetings,
On behalf of the 35th Council District, it is my distinct honor and privilege to join the West Indian
American Day Carnival Association, Inc. in celebrating the 48th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival.
For nearly fifty years, the Carnival has been a grand celebration in my district, which showcases the rich
Caribbean culture and heritage reflected by millions of New Yorkers – particularly Brooklyn residents.
Through song, dance, and the culinary arts, spectators from around the world cultivate a deeper
appreciation for the beauty and traditions of the Caribbean region.
As a Member of the New York City Council and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, I am proud to
acknowledge Thomas Bailey, president; Eric Gibbs, Chairman; and the members of the Executive
Board of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association for their steadfast leadership in
advancing the cultural reach of the West Indian community throughout the City of New York.
Once again, congratulations to this Association and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
September 1, 2015
Dear Friends,
On behalf of New York City’s 45th Council District, I am proud to salute the West Indian
American Carnival Association Inc. (WIADCA) upon its 48th annual celebration.
WIADCA holds a special place in my heart and in the heart of the residents of East Flatbush. As a
proud son of Grenadian parentage, I treasure every opportunity to recognize the
accomplishments of the Caribbean-American community and to strengthen the relationship
between New York City, the United States and the Caribbean Diaspora. Furthermore, the 45th
Council District is home to one of the largest Caribbean populations outside of the West Indies,
and this celebration provides us with the chance to unite in a shared love of our heritage and
applaud the great strides our community has made. It also teaches the next generation, as well
as all New Yorkers, about our rich Caribbean culture and spirit.
Yours in Partnership,
LAURIE A. CUMBO
MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL
DISTRICT OFFICE: 1 HANSON PLACE, SUITE 201 BROOKLYN, NY 11243 · TEL: (718) 260-9191 · FAX: (718) 398-2808
CITY HALL OFFICE: 250 BROADWAY, SUITE 1792 NEW YORK, NY 10007 · TEL: (212) 788-7081 · FAX: (212) 788-7712
My congratulations and thanks go out to all of the organizers, participants, sponsors and
volunteers for making this celebration a yearly success. I offer my best wishes to all for a great
carnival, and I look forward to celebrating with you even more in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Jumaane D. Williams
Council Member, 45th District
Page 36
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We salute
West Indian American Day
Carnival Association, Inc.
for a legacy of preserving and strengthening the
West Indian & Caribbean culture in New York City.
We know that care is at the heart of every
successful community. Thank you for the
care you have shown to us all.
emblemhealth.com
DISTRICT OFFICE
123 LINDEN BOULEVARD
BROOKLYN, NY 11226
TEL: (718) 287-8762
FAX: (718) 287-8917
CITY HALL OFFICE
250 BROADWAY, SUITE 1789
NEW YORK, NY 10007
TEL: (212) 788-7352
FAX: (212) 788-8087
mathieu.eugene@council.nyc.gov
CHAIR
VETERANS AFFAIRS
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
THE COUNCIL OF
MATHIEU EUGENE
COUNCIL MEMBER, 40TH DISTRICT • BROOKLYN
COMMITTEES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FIRE & CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES
HEALTH
IMMIGRATION
SMALL BUSINESS
September 3, 2015
Dear Friends:
I am delighted to congratulate the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA)
for once again successfully organizing one of the biggest attractions in New York City as we
celebrate the 48th Annual Caribbean Carnival. The Caribbean Carnival is truly a magnificent
festival with a cultural celebration that is unlike any other event in the world.
As Council Member of the 40th District, which is an incredibly unique area of Brooklyn, it is an
honor and privilege to be part of this event that means so much to my constituents. It is truly a
special tradition for our community and for areas all across the city.
I congratulate the committee and all of the hard-working staff and volunteers who have dedicated
so much time to ensure this festival is a success. The Caribbean Carnival is always an enjoyable
occasion that will be forever remembered by every individual and family who has the privilege
of being part of the awe-inspiring festivities.
Please accept my congratulations and best wishes to everyone in the WIADCA as we come
together for a five-day celebration filled with fun and excitement.
Truly Yours,
Mathieu Eugene
Chairman of the Youth Service Committee
Brooklyn, 40th District
Page 39
THE MEMORIES WILL LAST
LONG AFTER THE TRIP DOES.
You’ll find paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll also find a delicious
buffet of savory flavors that’ll make your lips smile. A rich culture
of music and tradition that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
A living history where you can walk the same roads as your ancestors.
And the extraordinary chance to be moved by these moments—a thrill
that doesn’t always happen on vacation. Lucky for you,
the USVI isn’t just a vacation.
Lasting memories begin at visitUSVI.com.
/visitusvi
/usvitourism
©2015 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Page 40
celebrates the
achieve ments of the
West Indian
Community
and the
Graduates of
24 CUNY
Colleges, Graduate
and Professional
Schools
Congratulations to students, alumni,
faculty and staff on this joyous day
September 1, 2015
Benno Schmidt
James B. Milliner
ChairpersonChancellor
1-800-CUNY-YES WWW.CUNY.EDU CUNY TV- Channel 75
Caribbean Corner: Music of Haiti
Haiti is one the Caribbean islands represented at the New York Carnival.
The Haitian band is one of the largest bands on eastern parkway for the
parade. Haitian music is vibrant, danceable, and most often religious
or politically charged. Haitian music is deeply rooted in African music
and culture. Music is one of the tenors of Haitian cultural life.
It is the music for survival. In Haiti music and dance are intertwined and
emotions are expressed by both. As an Afro-Caribbean nation of French/
European and Amerindian culture, Haitian music draws on the complexity
of its rich history and traditions and on the numerous cultural influences.
Some types of Haitian music include folk music and Compas. Folk music
from Haiti include Rara and Twoubadou. Rara music has strong ties
to voudou religious tradition. Haitian music has its roots in the vodoun
religion. Drumming, dancing and song were central to the practice of the
syncretic vodoun religion. Rara is performed between Ash Wednesday
until Easter Sunday. It is a celebration of Lent. Twoubadou is another
form of folk music played on acoustic instruments.
Since 1955, Haiti has offered the world a uniquely danceable and
infectiously sexy music known as compas, konpa, or kompa. It is a modern
Haitian music. The music began with a guitar-driven folk sound, infused
with a méringue (Haitian merengue) beat, riding cymbals, keyboard
runs, and festival horns. Today it includes electronic instruments, and
sometimes even replacing the real instruments completely, and western
culture continues its influence, infusing Kompa music with soul, funk, and
rap. Today, the genre is alive and well, with heavy fan bases in New
York, Paris, Berlin, and Miami.
One of the most popular Haiti musicians is Wyclef Jean. He is a famous
rapper, songwriter, musician, producer, and politician. He is known
worldwide for his talents and art. He has released many albums throughout
the world while spreading the word about Haiti through his charitable works.
Similar to other Haitian musicians, Wyclef is passionate
about politics and ran for Haitian presidency
in 2010, though he was disqualified
because he did not meet the proper
residency requirements of the position.
As there are many Haitian and Haitian
Americans living in New York City, the
Haitian music and culture will continue
to influence the culture of New York City.
Portraits of the Caribbean: David Rudder
David Rudder is an accomplished singer and songwriter. He is often hailed
as one of the national treasures of Trinidad and Tobago. He writes his
own songs and he helped to usher in a new era for calypso music. He
has been described as one of the most innovative songwriters and he is
one the most successful calypsonians of all time. He is an ambassador for
Trinidad and Tobago music and culture. Over the years, David Rudder
has performed at numerous WIADCA events.
He was born on May 6, 1953 in Belmont Trinidad and Tobago. His early
life was spent with his grandmother, a devout Baptist. The Baptist faith in
Trinidad and Tobago is a syncretic Afro-American religion which combines
elements of traditional African religion with Christianity. The chanting of
Shango Baptists remains the foundation of David Rudder’s music. David
Rudder was talented as a child and began singing with a calypso band
as a child. As a teenager, he sang backup vocals in a calypso tent run
by Lord Kitchener, one of the most internationally famous calypsonians. In
1977, he joined Charlie’s Roots, a leading band in Trinidad and Tobago,
and spent many years as one of the band’s vocalists.
In a career spanning four decades, he has written many hits. David
Rudder’s rise to stardom occurred in 1986 with his album The Hammer,
which produced two big hits: “The Hammer” (a tribute to the late pannist
Rudolph Charles) and “Bahia Girl. In 1886, he began won Calypso
Monarch, Young King and Road March. In 1988 David Rudder released,
Haiti, his most successful albums, which included the title track, a tribute
to the glory and suffering of Haiti; “Engine Room”, which captured the
energy of the steel band; and “Rally ‘Round the West Indies”, which
became the anthem of West Indies cricket.
In 2013, David Rudder turned 60 years of age. Daisann McClane,
American journalist and World Beat correspondent for Rolling Stone
Magazine also wrote: “Almost overnight he became a national hero in
the order of Marley in Jamaica, Fela in Nigeria and Springsteen in New
Jersey.” Jan Murray of the English newspaper, the Observer said: “Not
since the early days of the Mighty Sparrow has a calypsonian been
able to sell out his every performance in a country that is not prone to
personality cults.”
David Rudder has performed at the 1997 St. Lucia Jazz Festival with Luther
Francois, Andy Narell, Quartet Indigo, Hilton Ruiz and the
Latin All Stars, Nicholas Payton, Santana, Shirley Horn,
Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diane Reeves and Regina Belle.
He has appeared with: Third World, Shalamar, Miami
Sound Machine, Barry White, KC and The Sunshine
Band, Maxi Priest, Van Morrison, Suzanne Vega,
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Billy Ocean,
Aswad, Steel Pulse, Chalice, Kassav, Salif Keita.
David Rudder was mentored by calypsonians
like the Mighty Sparrow, Kitchener and Black
Stalin. As one of the greatest calypsonians today,
he collaborates with the current generation of
rising soca stars like Destra Garcia, Fay Ann
Lyons and Bunji Garlin, Machel Montano and
Kees Dieffanthaller.
Page 43
Carpenters Local Union 45
Is proud to support
West Indian
American Day Carnival
Michael Rodin, President
Daniel Sessa, Vice President
Paul Tyznar, Executive Delegate
Joseph Reilly, Recording Secretary
Eric Tyznar, Financial Secretary
Joseph Turkel, Treasurer
Kevin Cain, Trustee
Mario Salguero, Trustee
Patrick Sullivan, Trustee
Thomas Gaulrapp, Conductor
T.J. Libretto, Warden
214-38 Hillside Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11427
Phone: 718-464-6016
Fax: 718-464-6017
Your money
transfer today.
Their education
for a better
tomorrow.
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Send money to the Caribbean fast
800-926-9400
moneygram.com
Available at more than 900+ locations throughout the Caribbean including:
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Licensed as a Money Transmitter by the Banking Department of the State of New York, licensed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance; NMLS #898432; Massachusetts Check Seller
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property of their respective owners. © 2015 MoneyGram.
0715-81689CAL1
LYRIKAL
Thenameissynonymouswith
great, amazing, and, most
of all, humble. When Lyrikal
first appeared at WIADCA’s
Brass Festival some 7+ years
ago,itwasclearthathisfuture
as a performer was bright.
He commanded the stage,
connectedwithhisaudience,
andmadethemfallinlovewith
his music—all traits of a great
performer.
One of the hardest tasks for any recording artiste is getting radio airplay.
It is even harder for Caribbean American performers, who have trouble
making a significant impact on the music industry.
Today Lyrical performs all
over the world spreading the
Caribbean culture wherever
he goes. His fans call him “Brooklyn’s King of Soca.” Why Brooklyn?
Although he was born in the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Lyrikal
migrated to the United States at a very young age, and it is in Brooklyn
that he began his rise to the top.
In order for the West Indian culture to thrive, we must educate younger
generations. They must understand that when they see thousands of
Caribbean Americans and Americans congregate to participate in the
mascompetitions;soca,reggae,andotherCaribbeanmusicperformed
live;steelorchestrascompetingforthebandoftheyearinPanorama;and
theNewYorkCaribbeanCarnivalparadeonEasternParkwayit’snotjust
aboutentertainment;it’saboutweasapeople,enjoying,promoting,and
embracing our culture.
WeatWIADCAarenotinbusinessofmusic,butweareallaboutpreserving
andpromotingtheCaribbeanculture.Tothatend,wepromotenewartistes
as well as fan favorites. Since that first show, Lyrikal continues to be a key
performer at every Brass Fest, and each year we continue to provide
the same opportunity to new artiste. We are proud to say that this year’s
Thursdaynightprogram,“CaribbeanFreedomFestival,”consistsofmore
than 12 new artistes who will share the stage with the ever popular Kes
the Band and RemBunction.
Page 47
NYSNA salutes WIADCA
& the West Indian-American
Community!
Photo Courtesy of NY Daily News
Photo Courtesy of NY Daily News
is Proud
to Serve
New York’s
West Indian
Community
Join today!
Visit nymcu.org
Federally insured by NCUA
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DISTRIBUTED BY / DISTRIBUÉ PAR:
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CANADA
2 GOLDEN GATE CT.
TORONTO, CANADA M1P 3A5
(416)-292-2400
USA
601 WORTMAN AVE.
BROOKLYN, NY USA 11208
(888)-BEDESSEE
Singh’s Roti Shop Restaurant & Bar
WE OFFER A LARGE VARIETY OF CURRY, VEGETARIAN
& WEST INDIAN STYLE CHINESE DISHES
ROTI | DOUBLES | CURRY CHICKEN | FRIED RICE | HOMEMADE PASTRIES
WE ALSO CATER FOR ALL OCCASIONS
131-18 LIBERTY AVENUE QUEENS NEW YORK | 718-323-5990
SINGHSROTISHOPNYC@YAHOO.COM
SINGHS ROTI SHOP
Page 52
CWA LOCAL 1180, AFL-CIO
Best Wishes to
THE WEST INDIAN AMERICAN DAY
CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION
LOCAL 1180
“Making Government Work For You”
COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA, AFL-CIO
6 Harrison Street ~ New York, NY 10013-2898
PH. (212)226-6565 FAX (212)966-6831
www.cwa1180.org
Charlies Records Store
Congratulations to WIADCA INC.
on it’s 48th Anniversary
Page 53
LED OVER 200 SOLDIERS
ON VARIOUS MISSIONS.
PLANS TO START A
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
FOR AT-RISK YOUTH.
This is Captain Brian Burns. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became an
Army officer. Now his strength helps Soldiers in the field and mentors youth in
his community. You can make your future stronger than you ever expected as
an officer in the U.S. Army, just ask Captain Burns. There’s strong. Then there’s
Army Strong. See more stories and start your own at goarmy.com/officer
Visit our office location at 143 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn or log on to
goarmy.com/cq31 for more information.
©2015. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.
RECEIVED 4-YEAR
SCHOLARSHIP TO
COLLEGE OF HIS CHOICE.
2015 ADULT BANDS AND BAND PORTRAYALS
NAME OF BAND: 500 STRONG- VAL ADAMS & ASSOCIATES
Band Portrayal: Lost Tribes of the Caribbean
NAME OF BAND: ANTOINE INTERNATIONAL
Band Portrayal: Reflection of Our Culture
NAME OF BAND: BOOM MAS
Band Portrayal: Immortal Gods and Goddesses
NAME OF BAND: D’MIDAS INTERNATIONAL
Band Portrayal: Kaleidoscope
NAME OF BAND: DETAILZ MAS PRODUCTION
Band Portrayal: The Rule of Tree
NAME OF BAND: DINGOLAY MAS N.Y.C
Band Portrayal: Rave The Yellow
NAME OF BAND: E&J DREAM TEAM PRODUCTIONS
Band Portrayal: Somewhere Out There
NAME OF BAND: FREAKS MAS
Band Portrayal: Behold The Throne
NAME OF BAND: GREENZ UNITED MAS
Band Portrayal: Mystique
NAME OF BAND: GLOBE-ATHON IN THE CARIBBEAN
Band Portrayal: Women Of The World United To Take Care Down There
NAME OF BAND: KAIOS MAS
Band Portrayal: Who We Are
NAME OF BAND: KARMA CARNIVAL BAND
Band Portrayal: La’chaleur Du Moment
NAME OF BAND: KARIBVIBRATIONZ MAS
Band Portrayal: Reflection of Neville Hines
NAME OF BAND: KING POSSE
Band Portrayal: Kings and Queens of the Caribbean
NAME OF BAND: KOMPA GUIDE
Band Portrayal: Creole Expo
NAME OF BAND: LUXXX MAS
Band Portrayal: Shades of Bacchanal
NAME OF BAND: MANGO TREE PRODUCTION
Band Portrayal: Snow Kingdom
NAME OF BAND: MESSIAH INTERNATIONAL
Band Portrayal: Dynasty
NAME OF BAND: NEW HORIZON
Band Portrayal: Welcome to Africa, To the Motherland
NAME OF BAND: ONE DESTINY MAS
Band Portrayal: Fantasy of the Falls
NAME OF BAND: PIECES OF A DREAM
Band Portrayal: Tropical Splendor
NAME OF BAND: PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL
Band Portrayal: The Revenge of the Phoenix
NAME OF BAND: RAMAJAY MAS INC.
Band Portrayal: Nirvana Freedom of Self
NAME OF BAND: RHYTHM CATCHERS INTERNATIONAL
Band Portrayal: Scandalous in Bollywood
NAME OF BAND: ROCK FAM
Band Portrayal: Kompa
NAME OF BAND: SEASIDE
Band Portrayal: Bottom of the Sea
NAME OF BAND: SESAME CARNIVAL (SESAME FLYERS)
Band Portrayal: Egyptian Royale
NAME OF BAND: SUGA CANDY PRODUCTIONS
Band Portrayal: Sucrè
NAME OF BAND: THE PROMISE & DREAM TEAM
Band Portrayal: Just For Fun
NAME OF BAND: TROPICALFETE INC.
Band Portrayal: Going Green, Loving Earth
NAME OF BAND: WAZOBIA BAND
Band Portrayal: Africa Dance Group
NAME OF BAND: WE CARNIVAL MAS
Band Portrayal: Imagine
NAME OF BAND: 1199
Band Portrayal: Court of Grandeur
NAME OF BAND: TEAMINVASION ENT
Band Portrayal: Ayiti Makaya
NAME OF BAND: HATERS PARADISE
Band Portrayal: Welcome to Guyana’s Interior
NAME OF BAND: BACKYARD MAS INC
Band Portrayal: Frozen In Time
2015 STEEL PAN PANORAMA PARTICIPANTS
NAME OF BAND: AD LIB INTERNATIONAL
Tune of Choice: Like Ah Boss
NAME OF BAND: D’RADOES
NAME OF BAND: PANTONIC STEEL ORCHESTRA
Tune of Choice: My House
NAME OF BAND: CROSSFIRE STEEL ORCHESTRA
Tune of Choice: Outta De Box
NAME OF BAND: HARMONY MUSIC WORKERS
Tune of Choice: Mutt Work
NAME OF BAND: STEEL XPLOSION
Tune of Choice: Pum Pum
NAME OF BAND: CASYM STEEL ORCHESTRA
NAME OF BAND: METRO STEEL ORCHESTRA
Tune of Choice: Happiness
NAME OF BAND: PAN SONATAS
NAME OF BAND: DESPERS USA
Tune of Choice: Lucy
CARLOS LEZAMA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Sponsored by: CUNY, DAILY NEWS & CON EDISON
BRIAN CUNNINGHAM:
BIANCA AUGUSTIN:
HADRIANA LEVEQUE:
BRIANA ELCOCK:
SAIKA SAINT FORT
Medgar Evers College
NYC College of Technology
Long Island University
Page 55
Major, Public Administration
Major, CTE Teaching.
Major, Medicine (Pediatrician)
Major, English
Major, Medicine (Pharmacy)
CARNIVAL 2014 MAS RESULTS
OLE MAS FEMALE CHARACTER
1ST PLACE: MOREEN HARTMAN
Portrayal: “De French Entertainer”
From the Band: BG Production
“From France to T & T”
2ND PLACE: MICHELLE RUSSELL
Portrayal: “Eve the Tempress”
From the Band: Antoine International
“Go Naked in the World”
3RD PLACE: ELIZABETH TAYLOR
Portrayal: “Mitalda”
OLE MAS MALE CHARACTER
1ST PLACE: ROLAND GUY
Portrayal: “Tantie Gone”
From the Band: Roland Guy
2ND PLACE: KENNETH ANTOINE
Portrayal: “Papa Bois Pristine Pan”
“Go Naked in The Wild”
3RD PLACE: BRIAN HARTMAN
Portrayal: “Growing Tiger - Money is King”
ADULT KING
1ST PLACE: GARFIELD CHARLES
Portrayal: “Firebird of the Serengeti”
From the Band: D’ Celebrities
2ND PLACE: NICHOLAS LEE- MOW
Portrayal: “Carnival is Color”
From the Band: D’Midas International
3RD PLACE: SHAWN ANTENOR
Portrayal: “The Immortal Shaka Zulu”
From the Band: Mango Tree Production
OLE MAS BAND
1ST PLACE: “FROM FRANCE TO TT”
From the Band: BG Productions
2ND PLACE: “OLE TIME CALYPSO”
From the Band: Now & Then
3RD PLACE: “GO NAKED IN THE WORLD”
JUNIOR MALE CHARACTER
1ST PLACE: JASON ELDER JR
Portrayal: “Eldorado – The Golden One”
From the Band: Mas Production Unlimited
“All that Glitters”
2ND PLACE: SOLOMON WEBSTER
Portrayal: “Chinese Loyalty”
From the Band: Sherzel Productions
“We Are the World, We are the Children
3RD PLACE: DARREL DEBUE JR
Portrayal: “Pancho Villa”
From the Band: Belmont Kids Connection
“Controversial Carnival Festival”
ADULT FEMALE CHARACTER
1ST PLACE: APRIL BRADSHAW
Portrayal: “Princess Mtetwa of the Zulu Tribe”
2ND PLACE: REAH ASHBY
Portrayal: “Princess of the Bohemia”
From the Band: Ramajay Mas
3RD PLACE: KEISHA FRANCIS
Portrayal: “Phoenix Fighter”
3RD PLACE: RHEA SMITH
Portrayal: “Phoenix Fighter”
ADULT MALE CHARACTER
1ST PLACE: CLARENCE NURSE
Portrayal: “Winter Ring Protector”
2ND PLACE: MICHAUD BATES
Portrayal: “The Bajan Warrior Trident”
3RD PLACE: AUDLEY DEPIEZA
Portrayal: “Winter Warrior”
ADULT QUEEN
1ST PLACE: KAY MASON
Portrayal: “Beauty of the South Seas”
From the Band: Borokeet “Anchor’s Away”
2ND PLACE: TAMARA SHILLINGFORD
Portrayal: “Reaching for the Stars”
From the Band: The Promise &
EP Costumes “Paradise”
3RD PLACE: VANESSA BLACK
Portrayal: “Fantasy of An Indian Sunset”
From the Band: Ramajay Mas “I am Warrior”
JUNIOR FEMALE CHARACTER
1ST PLACE: ADAJAH BETHEA
Portrayal: “Africa - Hope”
“We Are the World, We are the Children”
2ND PLACE: MYEIRA JOSEPH
Portrayal: “Spirit of Trinidad”
From the Band: Jes Mas
“Trinity - Beauty of the Antilles”
3RD PLACE: CHANNEL MITCHELL
Portrayal: “Elements – Strength”
“We Are the World, We are the Children
JUNIOR QUEEN
1ST PLACE: ELYSA BABOORAM
Portrayal: “Golden Heritage”
From the Band: Jes Mas
“Trinity – Beauty of the Antilles”
2ND PLACE: CHYNA CAMBRIDGE
Portrayal: D’Goddess of Life”
From the Band: D’Midas International
“A Blast from D’Past”
3RD PLACE: SAI ANNA HILAIRE
Portrayal: “Queen of the Samburu People”
JUNIOR KING
1ST PLACE: RAJU SAWAK
Portrayal: Colibri (Humming) Bird Legend
From the Band: Jes Mas “Trinity Beauty
of the Antilles”
2ND PLACE: TRAVIS THOMAS
Portrayal: “The Jewel Bat”
From the Band: 1199 “De Jewel”
3RD PLACE: TYREL HARRIS
Portrayal: “Science Project”
From the Band: Carican Costumes
“What We Do in School”
JUNIOR BAND - SMALL
1ST PLACE: “HERE COMES BOLLYWOOD”
From the Band: New Horizon
Page 56
2ND PLACE: WE ARE HEROES
3RD PLACE: “MASQUERADE BALL: CARIBBEAN
EDITION” From the Band: Tropical Fete Inc
JUNIOR BAND - MEDIUM
1ST PLACE: “THROUGH HER EYES: A TRIP BACK IN TIME”
From the Band: New Generation
2ND PLACE: “TRIBAL FANTASY”
From the Band: Diamond Entertainment
3RD PLACE: “ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL”
From the Band: Rhea and Associates
JUNIOR BAND - LARGE
1ST PLACE: “WE ARE THE WORLD,
WE ARE THE CHILDREN”
2ND PLACE: “PARADISE – THE BEAUTY WITHIN”
From the Band: Sesame Flyers
International
ADULT BAND OF THE YEAR – SMALL
1ST PLACE: “ELEMENTS OF SPICE MAS”
From the Band: Val Adams & Associates
500 Strong
2ND PLACE: “PARADISE”
From the Band: The Promise & EPCostumes
3RD PLACE: “VIVA BRAZIL”
From the Band: Pieces of A Dream
ADULT BAND OF THE YEAR - MEDIUM
1ST PLACE: “DE JEWEL”
From the Band: 1199
2ND PLACE: “RAISE THE BAR”
From the Band: Detailz Mas Productions
3RD PLACE: “EPIC THE ULTIMATE WHITE PRESENTATION”
From the Band: Dingolay Mas Inc
ADULT BAND - LARGE
1ST PLACE: I AM WARRIOR”
2ND PLACE: “BOLLYWOOD: PASSPORT TO PARADISE”
From the Band: Sesame Flyers International
3RD PLACE: JETAIME KARNIVAL (I LOVE CARNIVAL)
From the Band: Boom Mas
STEELBAND PANORAMA COMPETITION RESULTS - 2014
1ST PLACE – “D” RADOES
2ND PLACE – CASYM & ADLIB (TIED)
4TH PLACE – SONATAS YOUTH COMMITTEE
5TH PLACE – PAN FANTASY (CANADA)
6TH PLACE – CROSSFIIRE STEEL ORCHESTRA
7TH PLACE
– PANTONIC
8TH PLACE – DESPERS USA
9TH PLACE – HARMONY MUSIC MAKERS
10TH PLACE – STEEL XPLOSION/SESAME FLYERS
11TH PLACE – METRO STEEL
The United Federation
of Teachers
SALUTES THE
West Indian American Day
Carnival Association
48th Annual Carnival
MICHAEL MULGREW, PRESIDENT
5 2 B R O A D W AY, N E W YO R K , N Y 1 0 0 0 4 • W W W . U F T. O R G
www.LightSourceCS.com
Page 57
WIADCA THANKS THE FOLLOWING 2015 SPONSORS
WIADCA THANKS THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS:
Hon. Andrew Cuomo –Governor, New York State
Kevin Jeffrey, Bklyn Boro Commish, Parks & Rec.
New York City Fire Department
Hon. Bill deBlasio – Mayor, New York City
Veronica M. White, Commish. NYC Parks & Rec.
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
Hon. Melissa Mark-Viverito – President- NYC Council
WBLS 107.5 /Hot 97 FM Radio
Community Boards 8 & 9, Brooklyn
Hon. Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President
New York City Council-Brooklyn Delegation
Charlie’s Records
William Bratton, NYPD Police Commissioner
Hon. Yvette Clarke, US Congresswoman
Caribbean American Center of New York
James P. O’Neill -Chief of the Department
Joseph Fox- Chief, NYC Transit Authority
Tropical Paradise Restaurant
Chief Jeffrey Maddrey,- PBBN
New York City Department of Transportation
Chief Steven M. Powers - PBBS
Emergency Medical Services
Lt, James Woods - Police Plaza
New York City Department of Sanitation
WIADCA ORGANIZATION SINCERELY APPRECIATES THE ASSISTANCE GIVEN OVER THE YEARS BY MEMBERS OF:
NEW YORK STATE SENATE - BROOKLYN DELEGATION
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY - BROOKLYN DELEGATION
NEW YOUK CITY COUNCIL - BROOKLYN DELEGATION
A Special thank you to FRANK SEDDIO, Kings County Leader for securing funding for WIADCA
WIADCA Thanks ALL Masqueraders, Steel bands, Musicians, Vendors and LightSource Creative Studio
Special Thanks to WIADCA’s Membership and all our volunteers.
It is illegal to extract any information, photos or ads from this publication for profit or otherwise
Page 59
New York City’s Caribbean Carnival History
by Jean P. Alexander
andintroducedWIADCAtoAlbanyandCityHall
legislators to secure the first ever state and city
funding. Yet her administration experienced the
samefinancialhardshipswhichcontinuedtobethe
main challenge in the history of the organization.
New York’s Carnival was born in Harlem in
the early 1930’s in the grand ballrooms of the
Renaissance, Audubon, Savoy hotels and other
venues that hosted indoor “costume parties” by
West Indian immigrants. Homesick at Carnival
time, they recreated their traditions in the USA to
remember their native Caribbean islands in the
cold pre-Lenten winter.
In the 1940’s, led by Trinidadian, Jessie Wardell,
the West Indian Carnival was brought onto the
streets in Harlem one summer. Unfortunately, the
rapidlygrowingspectacleattractedoppositionand
the event was halted. Rufus Goring, a Trinidadian
who produced costumes for Harlem Carnival,
staged a small carnival in Brooklyn in 1965. He
didnothavea“permit”andtheauthoritiesstopped
the celebration. Goring enlisted the help of his
friend,TrinidadianCarlosLezama,avery‘strongwilled’ steelpan player who, unlike Goring, was
determined,ambitiousandcharismaticandalways
found a way to get things done, no matter how
difficult the challenge.
Lezama expanded the one day event into three
days - from Saturday to Monday and followed
the pattern of Carnival in his Trinidad & Tobago
homeland. The West Indian American Day
CarnivalAssociation(WIADCA)wasestablished
inBrooklynin1967underMr.Lezamawhoserved
asitsPresidentfor34years.Withinafewyears,the
threedaysgrewtofivedays,includingCaribbean
Night on Thursday, a Junior Carnival and a “Stay
In School Youth Fest”.
AfterCarlosLezamaretiredin2001,hisdaughterYolanda Lezama-Clark was elected President
and served for 10 years, implementing changes
and programs. She secured bigger offices for the
expandingorganization,increasedmembership,
In2012,underPresidentThomasBailey,WIADCA
also increased membership, expanded the
volunteers base, and got three pro bono law firms
on board. He also added over a dozen events
slated from February through December, which is
the current format of the 48th Annual Carnival in
2015. The outlook for “Mas” this year is positive,
with over 40 adult Mas Bands and Junior Bands,
andatleast10competition-readySteelbandseach
having 65 to 100 players.
Thoughtheoutlookisbrighterthanafewyearsago,
financial assistance is worse. WIADCA operates
year-round with a total volunteer membership,
except for one salaried Office Assistant. The
organization’s budget for the 5-day weekend is
roughly$1,000,000withmostgoingtowardsthe
4-dayconcertseriesatBrooklynMuseumgrounds.
Inpreviousyears,USsteelbandsweredominated
by adult Panmen from Trinidad and Tobago.
Now, contemporary steelbands boast over 50%
of youth from various islands and the NY area
from Caribbean, Latino and African American
parentage.
Participationinsteelbandsservestoinstilldiscipline,
commitment, music appreciation and cultural
education,keepingover1,000youthoffthestreets
and out of potential trouble.
The importance of financial support by corporate
and government agencies for Steelbands and
Masquerade (Mas) costume producers is simple
but necessary and very important.
These entities traditionally never relied on
corporateorgovernmentfinancialsupportasthey
havealwayshadtheirownweekend“fundraisers”
andbackyardpartiestogeneratesmallbutsteady
income to pay rent, purchase equipment, buy
materials,payfortunersandarrangers,etc.These
expenses can easily run between $50,000 to
$150,000 depending on the size of the Band.
In addition, costume bands are faced with some
of the same level of expenses, except they also
need to find the funds for insurance, rental of huge
flatbedtrucks,generators,musicandequipmentfor
the hundreds or thousands of masqueraders - the
single reason why over two million people attend
theNewYorkCarnivaleveryyear.However,most
Page 60
ofthetraditionalfundraisinghavedwindledaway
due to the strict imposition of numerous permit
requirements, fines, limited practice time, and
almost 80% less In affordable space rentals for
settingupshopor“fundraising”. Ifsomethingisnot
done immediately to address this grave problem
there will soon be no more Carnival in New York.
The potential of the NY Caribbean Carnival
as a revenue generator and income earner for
the city remains unrealized. For many months
before the event, hundreds of persons work in
mas camps creating the costume fantasies in
which masqueraders will dance and perform
at the parade. During the five days of events,
accommodationsareheavilybooked,restaurants,
bars, shops, gas stations, vehicle rentals and
transport providers do a bustling trade. State
tax coffers benefit from the contributions, and the
NY Caribbean Carnival contributes to the tourist
attractions and positive image of New York as a
culturalhubinNorthAmerica.Over4,000police
officersandadditionalnumbersofprivatesecurity
keep the peace, making the event one of the safest
held in the US.
A 2005 survey conducted by the Lugano
Group, paid for by the NYS Dept of Economic
Development, shows 800,000 attendees at the
parade event, (less than usual due to a severe
storm), which generated $150,000,000. More
recently, worldwide attendance is estimated at
2,000,000. More up to date surveys are needed
but it is clear that this event offers tangible returns
to the City and its businesses. It makes sense that
the city and businesspeople would in turn invest in
the Carnival.
In two years, 2017 will mark the 50th anniversary
oftheNewYorkCaribbeanCarnival-halfacentury
of music, dance, food, vibrant colors and energy
gracing the Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn. In
the islands, the Carnival festivities grow more
sophisticatedandattractglobalvisitors,spawning
yearroundCarnivalindustries,employingseveral
individuals and creating businesses devoted to
the event. Caribana in Toronto and Notting Hill
Carnival in London have been carefully nurtured
to become integral parts of the social calendar
in those countries. WIADCA’s dedicated team
of volunteers will continue working toward the
organization’s objective of sustaining its culture,
making the New York Caribbean Carnival one of
the most outstanding events in the United States,
and one of which all New Yorkers can continue to
be justifiably proud.

Thursday September 3rd to Monday September 7th, 2015

Transcription

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