Eastern Caribbean nationals will feel at home, as their region's music seems to dominate the lineup. Brother Marvin, Singing Sandra and Crazy are all from T&T. Each offering a different style of delivery, they represent calypso's many flavors. To add to that element, ADLIB Steel Orchestra will add instrumentation to the islands' unique genre. Winners of last year's steel band and calypso competitions at the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association's Labor Day gala on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, the 30-member, 11-year-old group promises youth from 7 years old to deliver the beat. St. Paul's J.O.B. Young Adult Choir represents New York in drama, song and dance. Traditional island-style Christmas carols are promised by Charles Dougherty and Circle of Friends Caribbean ensemble.
New York elected officials and foreign dignitaries from the Caribbean and Africa among them were state Sen. Johns Sampson, Assemblymen Clarence Norman Jr. and Nick Perry, Councilwoman Una Clarke, Comptroller Alan Hevesi, Councilman Ken Fisher as well as Jamaican Consul General Dr. Basil Bryan and former Trinidad and Tobago Consul General Babooram Rambissoon. CACCI's founder and president, Roy A. Hastick Sr., said those honored as year 2001 visionaries were "recognized for their willingness to take the risk and accept the challenge to start and operate a small business in today's economy."
Yvonne J. Graham, CEO of the Caribbean Women's Health Association, discussed the health disparities that continue to plague racial and ethnic groups in the New York City metropolitan area at the Brooklyn-based group's annual benefit reception. The CWHA's chief mission is to respond to problems affecting immigrants from the Caribbean region.
Vinette K. Pryce discusses bringing a new minority voice to the region through his new column and notes that the radio station WWRL has reshuffled its lineup.