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The
11th Annual American Caribbean Festival was held in the Bronx in 2003.
In attendance were nationals from several Caribbean countries including
Jamaica, St. Kitts. Dominica, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Haiti, Trinidad
and Tobago, and other Africans in Diaspora. Our men who were there to bring
you the coverage confirm that there was so much fun and fanfare to go
round.
FUN-FILLED
REPRESENTATION: Cornel Joseph and family representing Antigua
BEAUTY
WITH A SMILE: Lady Cindi waves the flag in honor of Trinidad and
Tobago
COMPLETE PHOTO COVERAGE BELOW
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CAPACITY
CROWD; IN THE THOUSANDS
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Nationals of several Caribbean and African countries
including Jamaica, St. Kitts. Dominica, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Haiti,
Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa,
and other Africans in Diaspora cheerfully gathered under the bright
sunny day. Stands were set up to display, sell, and give items ranging
from Caribbean and African artifacts to dishes prepared with Jamaican
and Caribbean flavors. The crowd capacity was over 10, 000. The New York
Police Department was visibly present but fortunately no ugly incident
was recorded as the crowd shared brotherly and sisterly love. Though
most groups displayed their national flags, they were nevertheless very
friendly and loving with each other regardless of nationality. As the
evening drew on, the excited crowd was entertained by several bands of
Caribbean and African background with beats ranging from Jamaican reggae
beat to the popular Trinidad and Tobago style Soca. It was all
"jump up and wave." Even Mighty Sparrow the Soca king himself,
rendered a powerful collaboration performance with the Band From
Antigua. Incidentally, at sundown, the crowd had to disperse due to the
security regulations in the city aimed at forestalling any terrorist
acts that might be aimed at such a massive crowd. Almost every attendee
is hoping to be there again at the next festival which is yet to be
announced. In fact it was such a day with joy, fun, dance, and merriment
as these brothers and sisters celebrated the African way, expressing
love, peace, and unity. Our men who were at the event have vouched to
confirm the fun at the event and are waiting for the next festival
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