By Donovan Gopie
Throngs of Caribbean-American and other nationals came in droves on the beautiful sunny and blue-sky Saturday on June 18, from all across Long Island and beyond to attend the second annual Long Island Caribbean–American International Festival (LICAIF). The festival was held in the beautiful landscaped Eisenhower Park in East Meadow NY, in celebration of the annual Caribbean American Heritage Month, as proclaimed nationally by President Barack Obama.
The vast crowd was treated to a day of family–oriented events that featured a wide array of music, arts & crafts, food and displays representing the nations of the Caribbean and the chance to share Caribbean culture with the rest of Long Island. The festival organized for the second year by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Earl Lyn, Jr head of the Jamaica Cultural Alliance. He is one of the friendly family owner’s of famed Nakisaki Restaurant in Hempstead, Long Island.
We are most pleased and delighted to join with the Long Island Caribbean –American International Festival Committee and the Jamaica Cultural Alliance to once again celebrate the many cultures of the Caribbean. Long Island looks forward annually to the celebration of this wonderful event,” said County Executive Mangano at the opening ceremonies.
Jr Lyn equally excited said, “All Caribbean nationals, not only on Long Island but across the country should always proudly celebrate their glorious and rich heritage, and should be proud of the fact that the Caribbean was not just given one day or a week, but a whole month to celebrate our heritage in this great USA. This is something we should be extremely proud of. I am thrilled that I can contribute my part to this wonderful annual festival. Your continued support is most appreciated for its ongoing success.”
The festival included an awards presentation honoring twelve outstanding Caribbean-Americans by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, all whom have exemplified themselves in their respective communities. The honorees included Anthony Turner; Gil Bailey; Peter Francis; Bobby Clarke; Bob Fredricks; Douglas Mayers; Patrick Payne; Roy Walters; Yolanda Lezama-Clarke; Michael Younglao and Birding Newell. After Mr.Mangano was finished with his presentation, Mr. Lyn presented the County Executive with “The True Friend of The Caribbean Award” for hosting the 1st and 2nd Annual Long Island Caribbean American International Festival, commemorating Caribbean heritage month on behalf of the Jamaica Cultural Alliance.
The highlight of the day-long festival, was the outstanding evening concert, co- MC’s by popular radio personalities, DJ Roy of Irie Jam Radio, “Spiceman” Bob Fredricks from WEE Radio and Massapan from Caribbean Style TV that featured Caribbean Gospel with world-renowned artists Shirley Willis, one of the founding members of the popular Grace Thriller, Pastor Son, Lavonne Jackson Wright and Barrington Reid. Other performers included
Soca with Supa P, Adlib Steel Orchestra, and The Dream Castle Models along with reggae stars Bigga Haitian and Ed Robinson; -- Robinson currently has his album listed number 1 in New York. He delivered a stunning performance that electrified the crowd to stand up in applause; most had been seated comfortably in picnic style on the grassy field overlooking the beautiful lake at the picturesque Harry Chapin Lakeside Amphitheatre.
The audience was delighted further by the famed headliners Frankie Paul and The Mighty Diamonds. Frankie Paul, is one of Jamaica‘s best–loved and popular dancehall reggae artist. Born almost blind, he has been dubbed by some “The Jamaica Stevie Wonder.” Paul delighted the appreciative audience with his exuberance stage style, singing many of his popular hits of the past, such as “Give The Youth A Chance”, “Pass the Ku-Sheng Peng,” -- a major hit in 1985 and “Casanova.” Then entered the famous The Mighty Diamonds, -- singing together for forty-three years, they are the beloved Jamaican vocal trio, of Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson, Donald “Tabby” Shaw and Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson. They received a tumultuous standing ovation welcome from the large audience of over 7,000 people in attendance upon entering the stage. They moved into a medley of their hit songs “Pass the Kutchie,” “Right Time,” and “Sweet Lady.” The well-seasoned and revered globe trekking trio delivered an electrifying and mesmerizing performance. The adoring crowd knew many of their vintage hits songs, -- at times singing along with the trio. The renowned group has received many prestigious music awards, including a Congressional Proclamation from Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Gregory Meeks and Jamaica National award from former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.
The well produced concert added to the festival’s resounding success. With an increase in attendance over last year, the addition of new sponsors and vendors made for an enjoyable and delightful Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebration on Long Island.
The annual event has now made its needed impact and is entrenched as an annual event to celebrate Caribbean American culture. Some of the sponsors included Wells Fargo, Western Union, Health First, Health Plus, Affinity Health, New York Life, WIADCA Inc., Carib Style TV, Irie Jam Media, WVIP Radio 93.5 FM, 87.7 FM, CPR; Image This News, New York Liberty Star, Cricket International Paper,VP Records, Around Town Magazine,Safflyn Corp, Nakisaki Restaurant, Reggae for Climate Protection, Sam’s Carribean Marketplace and The United Cerebral Palsy Association.
County Executive
For more information, please contact
the Jamaica Cultural Alliance
at (646) 750-0045
