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.
Lyn, Jr 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 of celebrations 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 outstanding Caribbean-Americans by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, all whom have exemplified themselves in their respective communities. The honorees included Anthony Turner, Public Relations specialist; Gil Bailey, host of The Gil Bailey Radio Show; Peter Francis; host of Caribbean Style TV; Bobby Clarke, CEO of Ire Jam Media; Bob Fredricks, host of WEE FM Radio; Douglas Mayers, president Nassau County Branch- NAACP; Patrick Payne, Professor at Adelphi University; Roy Walters, DJ Irie Jam Radio; Yolanda Lezama-Clarke, CEO, WIADCA; and Briding Newell, Executive Director WIADCA. County Executive .Mangano was presented with “The True Friend of the Caribbean Award” by the festival producer Earl Lyn, Jr. for his support of the festival in the commemorating of Caribbean-American Heritage Month on Long Island.
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 and “Spiceman” Bob Fredricks from WEE Radio 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.
Corporate sponsors of the festival 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, United Cerebral Palsy Association. The annual event has now made its needed impact and should be entrenched as an annual event to celebrate Caribbean American culture on Long Island.
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