Plethora of pols readily available for Caribbean Carnival Parade – Caribbean Life
As anticipated, a plethora of legislators – a digital Who’s Who in New York politics – had been readily available Monday for the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.
They not solely participated within the pre-parade breakfast on the Lincoln Terrace Court docket at Buffalo Avenue, initially of the parade, but additionally marched alongside the lengthy stretch to the Brooklyn Museum, close to Grand Military Plaza.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul; New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams; US Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer; Congressional Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette Clarke and Stacey E. Plaskett; New York Legal professional Normal Letitia James; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; a bunch of different elected officers within the boroughs; in addition to diplomats from some Caribbean Consulates, capitalized on picture alternatives.
“I let you know the way vital this neighborhood is,” Hochul instructed patrons on the breakfast. “I let you understand the vibrancy of the Caribbean neighborhood.“I’m, for the primary time ever, launching a commerce workplace,” she disclosed. “I stay up for visiting the Ambassador to Jamaica, Nick Perry (the Jamaican-born, former Assemblyman, who represented, for nearly three many years, the 58th Meeting District in Brooklyn).”
Adams famous that there was “not one capturing final night time (in Brooklyn).
“Let’s proceed what we’re doing,” he urged.
New York Police Division (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, who was appointed the forty fifth Police Commissioner of the Metropolis of New York by Mayor Adams in December of 2021, stated she had defined to her fellow officers that “it is a celebration of tradition.
“Thanks a lot for this invitation, and I see you on the market”, stated Sewell, who was born and grew up in Lengthy Island Metropolis, Queens, and beforehand served because the Nassau County Police Division’s Chief of Detectives.
“I say to the paradegoers and I say the largest island is Brooklyn,” stated Schumer to large laughter. “It is a nice day for immigrants and for kicking these Republicans in Washington.
“We could have the primary senator and the primary Speaker of the Home from Brooklyn,” he added, referring not solely to himself but additionally to Jeffries, who represents the 8th Congressional District in Brooklyn.
Jeffries famous that he has “two dangerous sisters in Congress – Congresswomen Clarke and Plaskett.
“It’s an honor to have Congresswoman Clarke to signify the most important Caribbean district in America,” he stated. “Have an amazing day on the Parkway.”
Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District, thanked patrons “a lot for abiding with this group (the West Indian American Day Carnival Affiliation – WIADCA, organizer of the Carnival).
“It’s a problem in a altering panorama,” she added. “Election Day is arising (in November). Exit and vote.”
After singing the soca hit, “Soar and Wave, Soar and Wave, It’s Carnival,” James famous it’s been “two years since this carnival.”
Then, she added: “No physique is above the regulation – from the State Home to the White Home,” implicitly alluding to her workplace’s investigation of former President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Group.
Although he was beneath the climate, Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, participated in J’Ouvert earlier than attending the parade.
“WIADCA is getting us on the Parkway after two years,” he stated, thanking the NYPD for serving to to keep up the peace.
“A number of elected officers are right here, we have now to indicate WIADCA the cash,” he added.
Metropolis Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stated: “It’s important we acknowledge the work of WIADCA,” including that the Caribbean American neighborhood ought to profit from the financial influence of the carnival.
“Thanks for what you do,” she stated, referring to WIADCA. “Soar up (on the Parkway)!”
Metropolis Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, consultant for the 35th Council District in Brooklyn, stated the parade runs by her district.
“Be secure, be proud and be nicely, and be happy with our Caribbean heritage,” stated Hudson, who traces her roots to Jamaica.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie, consultant for the 20th Senate District in Brooklyn, introduced a proclamation to Michelle Gibbs, the Guyanese-born WIADCA chair.
“Right this moment is about liberation of individuals of African descent,” stated Myrie, whose grandmother hailed from Jamaica.
Gibbs famous the 55th anniversary of WIADCA, asking the general public to assist the carnival.
“I simply wish to say to everybody, please be secure,” she added. “Please benefit from the carnival.”
Civil Rights Activist the Rev. Al Sharpton urged: “Let’s March collectively and vote collectively.”
Trinidadian Angela Sealey, former WIADCA chair, remembered the late Carlos Lezama, the WIADCA’s former president and founder, stating that it was Lezama who “positioned the Caribbean neighborhood on the map.”
Amongst different elected officers who attended the parade had been Metropolis and State legislators; the Borough Presidents of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx; members of the Judiciary; and the Consuls Normal of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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