By Bob Simon
The Caribbean American Association of Tampa Bay, held last Saturday its 11th festival, labeled Caribbean Heritage Festival, at the University Park in North Tampa. Francis Joseph, director executive of C.A.N.D.O says “the festival allows all Caribbean community members to have a good time while sharing music, food, and arts.” The festival is about Caribbean and American’s bond. “It also offers an excellent opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to discover the Caribbean diversity,” Joseph added.
After Francis Joseph, executive director of the Caribbean American National Development Organization, and Commissioner Gwen Myers, vice chair of the Board of Hillsborough County Commissioners, welcome the attendees, the festival changes gears and takes off with Fred Johnson, an excellent vocalist who leads the University Park in singing the national anthem.
Later, Lady Mystique, the festival emcee, introduces a colorful night in an authentic Caribbean celebration style. Facing an enthusiastic public, she sparks the party atmosphere. Her dance moves are in complete synergy with the vibes of Caribbean music played by DJs.
Frederick Johnson, a celebrity known for his highest vibrational tone, fills music lovers with joy and peace. With similar vibes but in a different style, Tropigroove Music plays some stunning pieces of compas music with the solo of its brilliant Saxophonist, Yves Morency.
Besides being a skilled musician, Dr. Morency is a Haitian community member. He said, “The festival is a privilege for every community to show their particularity while promoting what they have in common.”
The 11th festival event also features amazing singers, choreographers, and musicians who proudly show the beauty of Caribbean music. Among those singers and groups, Sol Caribe, Keemba, Mr. Unknown, Krazy K, Jahfari Band, Erphann Alves, and Baby G delivered a remarkable performance.
A few steps from the stage, Dr. Ethlyn Prince and Juliet Gibson, both from Guyana, admire the musicians’ performance while sharing their thoughts regarding what connects people from the islands. Those retired ladies are at their first festival, giving them a new young life moment. While sharing their smiles with other attendees, they also initiated genuine dialogue regarding Caribbean history and culture. “Caribbean people are deeply connected through the kitchen style, jewelry, nice colorful dress,” outlined Juliette, who also evokes the resemblance among the Caribbean countries in their histories.
From the entrance to the vendor area, the participants show interest in paintings and handmade crafts exposition. Attendees’ flags or decorations all around the park show their state of origin. Caribbean community members and guests admire the images that reveal Caribbean heritage spirits; At the same time, some attendees seek vendors’ service or products, while others are in line and waiting to get served their favorite meals seasoned according to the Caribbean flavor of their choice.
Roxane Bartley, a Caribbean community member, says, “Caribbean people have been involving United States history since American Revolutionary War. She said, “Founding father Alexander Hamilton from St. Kitts and Navis led the way. since then, many of us continue to bring our energy and skill through arts, science, and health to this country.” So, beyond the historical contribution, we are proud to share our roots and heritage with others.
Joseph says, “C.A.N.D.O helps American Caribbean members address their social and economic needs.” He also explained that the organization initiated that festival in June 2010 to celebrate national heritage month. Since then, it has become necessary to raise a bridge between the community and service providers, Joseph declared.
This festival allows us to perpetuate our involvement in health, sport, arts, and science in Tampa Bay and all over the U.S. territories. It’s also a means to hand down our legacy to future generations, Joseph explained.
C.A.N.D.O wants, said Joseph, to ensure awareness of the Caribbean demographic and to provide support for services and programs in true collaboration with our partners.
“We counted 1500 attendees in the previous festival. This year the number of attendees is higher because a few more people come out for this 11th festival,” Joseph explained.
As planned, the festival started at 2:00 p.m. and
was intended to end at 8:00 p.m. but has been extended to 9:00 p.m.
The idea to proclaim June as the Caribbean Heritage Month started with Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) in June 2005, when she introduced the resolution to honor and recognize the meaningfulness of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States of America. Then, in June 2006, after passing both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, President Georges W. Bush proclaimed the month of June as a National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
“We are part of the fabric of the U.S.,” claimed Joseph, who also concluded, “We are recognized, so we are important.” And now than ever, “Organizing this kind of festival is significant for C.A.N.D.O and the Caribbean Community.”
DC of Tampa 