Contact: Sunny Mindel
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today welcomed members of the New York West Indian community to Gracie Mansion for a ceremony honoring the achievements and heritage of the West Indian community in New York City; and proclaimed September 2 to 6 as West Indian American Carnival Week. Also in attendance were Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington and Carlos Lezama, President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, Inc.
"I am honored to welcome the West Indian American Day Carnival Association to Gracie Mansion as New York celebrates the contributions of West Indian Americans to our city," Mayor Giuliani said.
"West Indian Americans enrich the cultural diversity of New York City and have contributed to its economic resurgence while at the same time preserving their unique heritage. The success of the West Indian community here shows that New York City continues to retain its crown as Capital of the World," the Mayor added.
The 32nd Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade will be held on Monday, September 6; beginning at Utica Avenue in Brooklyn and proceeding along Eastern Parkway to Empire Boulevard. The parade is the culmination of 12 events celebrating West Indian heritage.
The New York City Carnival has been sponsored by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, Inc. for the past 32 years. The not for profit organization promotes Caribbean art and culture.