Union Island nationals enjoy
a day in Canarsie Park
By Nelson A. King
After a year’s hiatus, amid
the height of the COVID-19
pandemic, the Union Island
Day annul picnic returned this
year with much success, organizers
say.
“We widen the scope this
year,” co-coordinator Phil
Stewart told Caribbean Life on
Sunday, as Caribbean rhythms
blasted from DJ Gof at Canarsie
Park in Brooklyn.
“We want to promote unity
– all inclusive,” added Stewart,
who coordinates the 5th annual
event with fellow Unionites
Roger Mulzac and Angela
Stowe.
“We have people from Chateaubelair,
Sandy Bay, Vermont,
Sion Hill, Bequia, Canouan,
Union Island, Mayreau,
promoting unity among everybody,”
continued Stewart, listing
a town, villages and islands
in the multi-island St. Vincent
and the Grenadines.
“It’s good,” Mulzac chimed
in. “We bring people together
– people we have not seen for
a very long time — to meet
and greet, exchange ideas, and
catch up for old time’s sake.
“Next year, we want to make
it much bigger and better, seeking
sponsorship in the process,”
he added.
Vincentian Jeff Glasgow – a
Brooklyn resident, who hails
Caribbean L 20 ife, SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2021
from Campden Park on mainland
St. Vincent — brought
along his Jamaican-born wife,
Carol.
“It’s a good thing, especially,
since the pandemic, we
couldn’t do anything,” he said
about Union Island Day, alluding
to the peak of the pandemic.
“Good gathering! You know
Vincies love to party.”
Mrs. Glasgow lauded the
“togetherness” among Vincentians.
“Vincentians are very
together,” she said. “They have
the good spirit in them. They’re
not fussy, and I love the Vincy
food — different dishes, not
just Jamaican.”
Ann Edwards said she helped
prepare the menu at one tent:
Corn coucou (known as Wangoo
in Union Island) wangoo
par (peas and corn), rice and
peas, callaloo, roll rice, stewed
pork, fried fish, saltfish and
bake, dumplin and provision,
and boiled corn.
“Every year, we normally
cook and feed everybody,” she
Union Island Day coordinators, Angela Stowe with Phil
Stewart (left) and Roger Mulzac. Photo by Nelson A. King
said. “We love feeding people.
It’s our culture.”
Nearby, Deloris Adams, originally
from Morvant, Trinidad
and Tobago, feasted on saltfish
and bake.
“I’m enjoying the food,” she
said, flanked by her compatriot
sister, Deloris Adams, stating
that she was invited, for the
first time, by her friend, Jardine
Wilson-Duncan, a Unionite.
“Daka” belches out Winston
Soso’s “I Don’t Mind.” Photo
by Nelson A. King Nelson A.
King
Greetings,
On behalf of the 45th Council District, home to immigrants
from all nations, I would like to extend my gratitude
for the contributions made to New York.
With new COVID-19 cases surging
in the tri-state area and across
the country because of the Delta
variant, Carnival organizers decided
a reimagined three-day celebration
focusing on virtual and smaller inperson
events taking place from
September 2 - 5, 2021.
For years, the West Indian Day
Carnival has been a cherished
tradition where my family, neighbors,
and friends can enjoy the sights and
sounds of the Caribbean. Together, we
celebrate the beauty in the similarities
cultures.
While many New Yorkers and tourists
may be disappointed by the smaller-
was made to protect the public’s
health and safety amid the ongoing
health crisis. It was the best step
forward to ensure we can celebrate
Caribbean pride without endangering
one another.
Several of this year’s festivities will
be held virtually, as COVID-19 has
changed the way we celebrate.
For the schedule of events organized
by the West Indian American Day
Carnival Association, visit carnival.nyc.
During J’Ouvert’s Virtual Festival, we
will be honoring essential and frontline
workers, which will take place live on
Facebook from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM on
September 7, 2021.
Be safe.
Sincerely,
Farah N. Louis
@farahNLouis @cmFarahLouis
district45@council.nyc.gov
(718)629-2900
Paid for by Farah Louis for City Council
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