Byron H., member since 2018
*2018 Health Plan
Comparison Report,
New York State
Department of Health
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Caribbean L 22 ife, Aug. 30, 2019
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte in her offi ce in Flatbush.
Photo by Caroline Ourso
Pols gear up for
Caribbean Carnival
By Nelson A. King
The West Indian American Day Carnival
in Brooklyn is the time when local
and state politicians use every opportunity
to promote themselves in one form
or the other. And this year will not be
any different.
Many are expected to participate in
five-day festival, starting on Thursday;
while others will participate in
the grand pre-Carnival Breakfast, at
the Lincoln Terrace Park, at the beginning
of the parade, at Buffalo Avenue in
Brooklyn.
The legislators will then march along
the 3 ½ mile-long-route to the end of
the parade, at Grand Army Plaza, on
Flatbush Avenue, waving and greeting
over three million spectators who
will converge on Eastern Parkway, one
of Brooklyn’s larger thoroughfares, for
the largest carnival parade in North
America.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio are
expected to headline the extravaganza.
The Brooklyn-based West Indian
American Day Association (WIADCA),
organizer of the carnival, has named
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane
Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants,
and New York City Councilman
Dr. Mathieu Eugene, the Haitian-born
representative for the 40th Council District
in Brooklyn, among the parade
grand marshals.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke,
the daughter of Jamaican immigrants,
who represents the largely Caribbean
9th Congressional District in Brooklyn,
has already announced plans to attend
most, if not all, of the carnival events,
urging carnival lovers to participate in
the festivities.
The nightly pre-parade shows, at
the Brooklyn Museum, comprise: Reggae,
Afro Beats, Soca…Unda Di Stars
with headliners Ding Dong and Wayne
Wonder (Thurs., Aug. 29); Brassfest,
featuring Kes, Patrice Roberts,
Farmer Nappy and Skinny Fabulous
(Fri., Aug. 30); Steelpan Panorama,
featuring more than 10 steel orchestras
(Sat., Aug. 31); and Dimanche
Gras, featuring, Calypso Rose, GBM
Nutron, Tallpree and Lavaman; Kings
and Queens of the Bands, Individual
and Ole Mas Costume presentations;
and Panorama 2019 winners — all on
Sun., Sept 1.
“Are you ready for the parkway?”
asked Assembly Member Rodneyse
Bichotte, the daughter of Haitian
immigrants, who represents the 42nd
Assembly District in Brooklyn, in an
email message to constituents ahead
of the carnival events.
Bichotte wants constituents to join
her in marching in the New York Caribbean
Carnival Parade on Labor Day
Monday.
“At 10:00 am, we will proceed from
the meet up location (corner of Buffalo
Avenue and Eastern Parkway),” she said.
“Wear comfortable shoes.”
Dr. Jean Joseph, WIADCA’s newlyelected,
Dominican-born president, said
“the formula of four nights of concerts
at the massive Brooklyn Museum outdoor
stage and two street parades – one
for children (and) the other for adults –
remains the same.
“This is our legacy for the generations
to come,” she said. “I look forward
to another 52 years with this great Caribbean
institution, with your help.”
Living well with HIV.
That’s my plan.
That’s my CHOICE.
© 2019 VNSNY CHOICE ID #D6763 | Rev# 08/09/18 | DOH Approved 08/30/18
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