Sunshine, festivities draw millions to spectacular West Indian American Day Carnival Parade

In picture-perfect weather, millions of spectators and thousands of masqueraders and revelers on Monday converged on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway for the 57th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.

The New York Caribbean Carnival Week, which started on Thursday, culminated on Monday, Labor Day, a public holiday in the United States, with the grand parade of masqueraders, with large and small costumes, displaying the culture of the Caribbean, along a 3 ½-mile route on Eastern Parkway, a major thoroughfare, starting at Buffalo Ave. and ending at Grand Army Plaza and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.

Displaying the Vincy flag at the beginning of the parade route on Buffalo Avenue: Andrew Maloney, Esq., WIADCA chairman, fourth from left, with, left to right: Desma King, Roy Antoine, Ursula Edward (with miniature St. Lucian flag), Ancilla Friday and Crispin Friday. Photo by Nelson A. King

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the gigantic carnival, said more than three million spectators, largely behind police barricades, were expected to view and celebrate 57 years of Caribbean culture, cuisine, programs, contribution, mas, steel band music and much more.

Simone Knutt portrays “Gem.” Photo by Nelson A. King

But New York Police Department (NYPD) said at least five people were shot and wounded almost towards parade’s end at Classon Avenue and Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.

“This was not random; this was an intentional act,” said Chief of Patrol John Chell, stating that the suspected gunman apparently stood on the concrete divider on Eastern Parkway and fired multiple shots into the crowd of nearby spectators.

The NYPD identified the victims, listed as in stable condition, only as a 69-year-old woman who was shot in the back right shoulder; a 64-year-old man shot in the right arm; a 36-year-old man shot in the head; a 25-year-old man shot in the abdomen; and a 16-year-old male shot in the left arm.

The NYPD said the gunman, believed to be in his 20s, fled the scene on foot and is still at large.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents Crown Heights, a section of his 8thCongressional District that encompasses parts of Brooklyn and Queens, said he was “saddened and horrified” by the shooting.

“My prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” said Jeffries, who spoke earlier at the Pre-Parade Breakfast. “The parade is a beautiful display of culture and community that I have been honored to attend over the years, including this year. Every American should be able to celebrate their heritage without the threat of gun violence.

“No one in Brooklyn, New York, or America is safe until we get weapons of war off our streets,” he added. “America cannot be the best version of herself until we crush the scourge of gun violence once and for all.”

Masqueraders from Big Boys Productions.Photo by Nelson A. King

However, many paradegoers and masqueraders were unaware of the shooting that temporarily disrupted a part of the gigantic celebration in fine weather, with high in the low 80s.

At the beginning of the parade route, Trinidadian Simone Knutt said she was having a time of her life, playing “Gem” with Sherzelle Productions’s “Kaleidoscope: A Festival of Colors”.

“I love it!“ exclaimed the East Flatbush, Brooklyn resident. “I grew up doing this. It brings me joy and happiness.

“All the kids bring out their culture,“ she added. “Let the music take over. Feeling great.”

Nearby, another Trinidadian, Shanel Clarence, plays “Day Break“ with Sherzelle Productions.

“It feels good,“ she said. “It’s part of my culture.”

Representing the Garifuna Culture, from left, Jasmine Baltazar, Shivonnie Brown and Elizabeth Baltazar playing with Skymaxx Mas.Photo by Nelson A. King

Sisters Jasmine and Elizabeth Baltazar and their friend Shivonne Brown said they were representing the Garifuna culture and playing mas for the first time with Skymaxx Mas.

“I feel good, confident, really having fun,“ said Elizabeth, who, along with the others, is a Brooklynite.

Celia Homer, left, and Arlene Pierre play with Sesame Flyers.Photo by Nelson A. King

Vincentians Celia Homer and Arlene Pierre played with perennial winners Sesame Flyers.

“We always play with them,“ said Homer, as Pierre chimed in: “Wonderful!“

Edwin Worrell, second from left, Derek Noel, second from right, with masqueraders in Deck Productions, Branches and Associates, and Mango Tree Productions’s “A Touch of Class.”Photo by Nelson A. King

Trinidadian band leader Edwin Worrell said his Branches Productions collaborated with Deck Productions and Mango Tree Productions in producing “A Touch of Class.“

“A little confident and hope for the best,“ said Worrell when asked about the production.

Shelley V. Worrell, the Trinidadian-American founder, chief vibes officer and band leader of I AM CARIBBEING and Little Caribbean in East Flatbush and Flatbush in Brooklyn, portrays “Sailing Di Parkway.”Photo by Nelson A. King

Shelley V. Worrell, the Trinidadian-American founder, chief vibes officer, and band leader of I AM CARIBBEING and Little Caribbean in East Flatbush and Flatbush in Brooklyn, said she was “honored“ to portray “Sailing Di Parkway.“ 

“‘Sailing Di Parkway‘ is our interpretation of Sailor Mas, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago,“ she said. “But there are iterations in Guadeloupe. I imagine that’s because people were sailing in the Caribbean.”

Worrell said the portrayal stemmed from a conversation with her Trinidadian-born aunt, Anna Worrell (her father’s sister).

“But this is a Brooklyn version,“ she said about “Sailing Di Parkway,“ adding that while I AM CARIBBEING was playing mas on Eastern Parkway for the third successive year, it was the second time that the band competed in the carnival.

“It feels very liberating, very cleansing – the spirit of renewal and rebirth,“ continued Worrell, as she led her band on the parkway on Monday.

Haitian Kess Occena represents Queens Village’s Carnival Association.Photo by Nelson A. King

Haitian-born Kess Occena represented Carnival Association in Queens Village.

“I feel excited,“ said Occena, who was playing with Carnival Association for the first time. “I’m happy, I love dancing. I feel this is where I belong, honestly.”

Brazilian Shyla Da Silva leads Batala NY Marching Band.Photo by Nelson A. King

Batala NY Marching Band.Photo by Nelson A. King

Down the road, Shyla DaSilva led the Batalya NY Marching Band, stating that it represented Afro-Brazilian culture.

“I feel good to represent my culture,“ she said.

Natalie Lezama represents Gang Gang Sarah 2 J’s and Friends.Photo by Nelson A. King

Natalie Lezama, the Trinidadian-born niece of the late Carlos Lezama, WIADCA’s co-founder and former president, said she was representing Gang Gang Sarah 2 J’s and Friends.

“Wonderful, ecstatic, proud, amazing, humble!“ she exclaimed about the production. “I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve been living in Brooklyn for the past 42 years. I’m doing this for the love of the culture.”

Edwina Pierre Johnson represents D’Midas International.Photo by Nelson A. King

As she portrayed a large costume from D’Midas International’s “Tribes of the World,” Haitian-born Edwina Pierre-Johnson said she was glad to be “alive.“

“It’s the best,“ she said about the carnival. “I do this every year.”

Patrick Prescott represents D’Midas International. Photo by Nelson A. King
Brooklyn Gatorettes Dance Troupe. Photo by Nelson A. King

Barbadian Patrick Prescott said he has been playing with D’Midas International for the past 14 years.

“I feel great,“ he said, portraying a sizeable costume.

C

Canarsie, Brooklyn’s Christ Embassy with the banner “God Loves You.” Photo by Nelson A. King

lose by, band leader Glen Turnbull said he also felt “good“ about his production.

Barbadian Andre Lucas said he was having “fun” portraying “The Circle of Life“ in Sesame Flyers’s production.

“It helps to keep the culture alive,“ he said. “I’ve been doing this for 14 years.”

Mother and daughter: “Honoring the Legacy” – Yolanda Lezama Clarke, left, and Leah Clarke Brisard in front of CLACC-C Float.Photo by Nelson A. King

Trinidadian Rhea Smith, a WIADCA board member, also portrayed a Sesame Flyers’ costume in honor of the late Joyce Quamina, a Trinidadian-born, long-standing WIADCA treasurer.

“I feel excellent, euphoric,“ she said. “This is the end and the beginning of everything.”

Jamaican Hillary Williams portrays “Queen of the Best” for Big Boys Productions. Photo by Nelson A. King

Jamaican Hillary Williams portrayed “Queen of the Best“ for Brooklyn’s Big Boys Productions.

“Very well!“ she said, responding to a question about enjoying the carnival. “I’ve been doing this since a child in Caribana (Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, Canada).“

Masqueraders with Chase Float, moving to “Love and Unity.”Photo by Nelson A. King

Monday’s Parade Grand Marshals included Trinidadians Hazrat Ali, Caribbean community catalyst; Beverly Ramsey-Moore, president of Pan Trinbago; Dennis Francis, the Trinidadian-born president of the United Nations General Assembly; and Jovia Radix-Seaborough, daughter of former New York City Corporation Counsel Barbadian-born Sylvia Hinds-Radix and Grenadian dentist Dr. Joseph Radix.

Elite Learns, Inc. Anti-Violence Initiatives Float.Photo by Nelson A. King

Others were  Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty Insurance Company; Aaron “Voice“ St. Louis, soca artist; Phil Taitt, WABC Eyewitness News reporter; Dr. Adrenia Burgis, community catalyst; and Glenn Turbull, president of D’Midas Foundation/International.

Saturday’s Junior Grand Marshals included: Khalisa Kimoi Gairy-Bartholomew; Andreas Hardwood; Hudson Holmes; and Aliyah Mathis.

Damaris Valentin, left, and Lessica Wallock portray “Jamrock” Skymaxx Mas. Photo by Nelson A. King

With much pageantry and fanfare, WIADCA launched its 57th New York Carnival Week at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum on Aug. 15.

The elaborate ceremony, held under the theme “The Evolution,” featured, among other things, presentations from senior and junior masquerade bands, dance performances, cultural presentations, and speeches by local elected officials.

Grenadian band with the Jab Jab posse.Photo by Nelson A. King

WIADCA said the carnival week was “powered by cultural partners“ – Brooklyn Museum, US Mas Bands Association, US Steelband Association, several local Carnival presenters, Black Star Entertainment, Gemini Productions/One Fete, Jay Upscale and more.

The carnival group also said the spectacle was supported in part by the City and State of New York, a host of elected officials, and corporate and media partners.

Chavonte Perkins portrays “Polmer” representing D’Midas International. Photo by Nelson A. King

The Carnival Week began at the Brooklyn Museum Grounds on Aug. 29, with Vibez w/Voicey the Graduation Tour by BlackStar Entertainment, featuring Kerwin Dubois, Nadia Batson, Ding Dong, Skinny Fabulous, Adam O, GBM Nutron, Boizie, Wadicks, Lyrikal, Ravi B, Mical Teja, Nylah Blackman, Pumpa, V’GHN, Jadel, Asa Banton and Rane Blackman, among others.  

Anniya Johnson represents D’Midas International.P hoto by Nelson A. King

On Friday, Socafest, by One Fete/Gemini Productions, featured Patrice Roberts, Mical Teja, Farmer Nappy, Christopher Martin, Nigy Boy, Pumpa, Raymond Ramnarine, Tallpree, Mr. Killa, Terra D Governor and A Team Band.

T&T “Wedding So Sweet.”Photo by Nelson A. King

On Saturday, the Youth Fest and Junior Carnival Parade took place.

“Live entertainment provides an end-of-summer Caribbean talent showcase with the first-time inclusion of ‘Youth Fest 2024’, highlighting live performances by emerging talent,“ WIADCA said.  

Masqueraders from Fit 4 Dance.Photo by Nelson A. King

New York Panorama 2024, on Saturday night, featured “the sweet sounds of steel,“ said WIADCA, as Metro Steel Orchestra sought to defend its title against some of New York’s renowned steel orchestras, such as Despers USA, Steel Sensation, Pan in Motion, Eruption Steel Orchestra, Harmony Steel Orchestra, Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra, D’Radoes, Pan Alley and Philadelphia Pan Stars.

On Sunday, Sizzla Kolonji, YG Marley, Spragga Benz with Jay Upscale Entertainment provided Reggae vibes.