Bajans Celebrate Day in Brooklyn
The Caribbean Is One Nation.
Bajans Celebrate Day in Brooklyn
By Michael Headley
On Saturday, July 11, 108th Street and Seaview Avenue, in Brooklyn New York - some coincidence- was flooded with Bajans and honourary Bajans, who had gathered to celebrate the Annual Barbados Festival Day. Unlike the Sargassum seaweed, which, unfortunately, has invaded some of the Barbados' lovely beaches, this crowd had blanketed the grass in the Canarsie park with a positive vibe. No lingering threat of workers' strikes prevailed and the weather was typical of the hot Caribbean climate which required the constant intake of liquids to stay hydrated. They came by their hundreds, some in wheel chairs, others assisted by canes, on foot, in cars, public transportation and charted buses to enjoy this day and more so to showcase their pride and industry. There was loud laughter, handshakes, fist bumps, hugs and kisses as friends and families happily met each other. The Bajan accent was strong and distinct because there was no need to adjust it in such a familiar setting. The flag's black broken Trident was flying, and the ultramarine and gold colours were evident, in the clothing and the drapes on the 50 booths. However, the female's attire added an extra zing to the steamy outdoors. There was kite flying and the air was also filled with the aroma of fish cakes frying, oxtail/turkey stew, fried chicken/fish, peas and rice, cou cou swimming in gravy, macaroni pie, puddin-and-souse, conkies and other pastries. There was also mauby, sorrel, sodas and sea moss to keep the pallet wet. Technic music mix was pumping out the rhythmic and pulsating songs of local calypsos. Brisk sales were being transacted. It was a fun day and Friends of Barbados DLP must be complimented for a job well done. The DJ promised that a stage would be erected next year so that more can be done, as an early celebration, for Barbados' upcoming 50th year of independence. When it was all over the large crowd disbursed in an orderly manner but the exit needs to be widen, in the event of an emergency. And no incidents were reported; law enforcement had an easy day. Looking forward to next year.
Michael Headley is a social commentator
On Saturday, July 11, 108th Street and Seaview Avenue, in Brooklyn New York - some coincidence- was flooded with Bajans and honourary Bajans, who had gathered to celebrate the Annual Barbados Festival Day. Unlike the Sargassum seaweed, which, unfortunately, has invaded some of the Barbados' lovely beaches, this crowd had blanketed the grass in the Canarsie park with a positive vibe. No lingering threat of workers' strikes prevailed and the weather was typical of the hot Caribbean climate which required the constant intake of liquids to stay hydrated. They came by their hundreds, some in wheel chairs, others assisted by canes, on foot, in cars, public transportation and charted buses to enjoy this day and more so to showcase their pride and industry. There was loud laughter, handshakes, fist bumps, hugs and kisses as friends and families happily met each other. The Bajan accent was strong and distinct because there was no need to adjust it in such a familiar setting. The flag's black broken Trident was flying, and the ultramarine and gold colours were evident, in the clothing and the drapes on the 50 booths. However, the female's attire added an extra zing to the steamy outdoors. There was kite flying and the air was also filled with the aroma of fish cakes frying, oxtail/turkey stew, fried chicken/fish, peas and rice, cou cou swimming in gravy, macaroni pie, puddin-and-souse, conkies and other pastries. There was also mauby, sorrel, sodas and sea moss to keep the pallet wet. Technic music mix was pumping out the rhythmic and pulsating songs of local calypsos. Brisk sales were being transacted. It was a fun day and Friends of Barbados DLP must be complimented for a job well done. The DJ promised that a stage would be erected next year so that more can be done, as an early celebration, for Barbados' upcoming 50th year of independence. When it was all over the large crowd disbursed in an orderly manner but the exit needs to be widen, in the event of an emergency. And no incidents were reported; law enforcement had an easy day. Looking forward to next year.
Michael Headley is a social commentator
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