Bajans wine down de parkway

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The Caribbean Is One Nation.

                                                       
Photo by Michael Headley
                           Bajans wine down de parkway




By Michael Headley
On September 01, 2014, Bajans, along with other Caribbean Nationals,and people from all over the world were 'wining down the bacchanal road' as they danced down Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway in the 47th annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.   Bajans were not going to be left out of this day where pageantry and culture are displayed so they joined the other revelers to showcase their costumes, calypso music and ethnic pride.  It was New York's new Mayor Bill de Blasio and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who was the Grand Master, first Carnival parade in their respective titles. And as an added bonus. the new Mayor's wife,  first lady Chirlane McCray,  is of Bajan and St. Lucian descent. 

As I approached the parkway I saw the Broken Trident on a truck and a banner, draped on the side,with  the phrase Bajan Paradise presents Fantasy 2014. This fantasy was now reality because Bajans were there in their numbers even though they were spliced between two Haitian trucks, whose music was pulsating and crowd enormous.   Maybe the Bajan sound system can be upgraded next year to compete equally. 

Originally I had planned to watch the festivities from the side but after hearing the Crop Over music, seeing some familiar faces, and getting a wave from a dear friend, I jumped over the metal barricade, not recommended, and joined the Bajan revelers all around the truck.  I was therefore able to get closeups, video and stills, of the beautiful costumes and gyrating bodies.  To put it bluntly, Dem Bajans can wine, even 'down to the ground'.   

Despite an earlier incident that apparently preceded Jouvert, in which there was a reported lost of life and other injuries, a fun time was had by all.  This was 'Labor Day' in Brooklyn and it was a time to meet family, friends, laugh uncontrollably, old talk, watch the many sights, admire creativity, dance, eat drink and be merry.    And the Mas bands honoured the legendary Nelson Mandella.  It was also a perfect climax to Panorama, Brass Fest, Kiddies Carnival etc.  Until next year revelers!
  

MICHAEL HEADLEY
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
(Michael Headley is a social commentator)

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