Tens of thousands of Brooklynites and attendees from all over came out for some festive fun in the September sun as the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) presented its 49th annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade, also known as the West Indian Day Parade, as part of the New York Caribbean Carnival Week (NYCCW) on Monday, September 5.
“It means a lot,” said Rhea Smith, WIADCA marketing and media committee member, of the parade. “Just as the Irish, Italian and Hispanics have their parade, the Caribbeans have theirs. There are lots of us not able to return to our homeland, so it’s great that we can show cultural pride.”
Beginning on Eastern Parkway at Utica Avenue at 11 a.m. this year, with marchers heading toward Grand Army Plaza, the all-day event saw beautifully ornate costumes, exciting performances and a slew of local and international elected officials.
This year’s parade grand marshals were President and CEO of Conrad’s Bakery Conrad Ifill; New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; the Honorable Barbara Atherly, consul general of Guyana; and His Excellency Keith H.L. “Tony” Marshall, UN Ambassador from Barbados.
Despite added security measures and an increased police presence, with the NYPD more than doubling the number of officers in the area (from 1,700 to over 3,400), as well as significantly upping the number of light towers (from 40 to 250), violence once again marred the early morning J’Ouvert celebration – the pre-parade festivities. Shots rang out at three locations along the route, beginning at 3:49 a.m., causing chaos and leaving two people dead and four others injured.
Last year, four people were wounded and Carey Gabay, first deputy council for Governor Andrew Cuomo, was shot dead by a stray bullet.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
