-, Participants in this first year of Caribbean Culture week include educational institutions - Little Flower Day Care and Preparatory School and Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn as well as Munroe College in New Rochelle which will host special programs. From the culinary arena, Blue Mahoe Restaurant in Manhattan, Caribbean Island and Gabrielle's restaurants in the Bronx, Clippers Restaurant in Queens and Royal Caribbean Bakery in Mount Vernon stepped forward to take up the mantle by offering special pricing for the week and hosting receptions. CCW receptions will also be hosted by The Caribbean Cultural Centre and Savacou Gallery in Manhattan and Clinton Hill Simply Art and Framing Gallery and Caribbean American Weekly newspaper in Brooklyn, which will also host fine art exhibits during the week. Look out for authors and spoken word artists celebrating the literary arts of the region at each of the receptions mentioned.
Jamaicans across the United States will commemorate the island's 45th anniversary of Independence with a variety of activities. The national theme of this year's celebration is, "Unity, Peace and Justice... The Pillars of a Strong Nation." This year also marks the 169th anniversary of Jamaica's emancipation from slavery and this major milestone is also part of this year's celebrations.
