Broward Caribbean carnival obstacle

Apparently Gillian Smart in her feature article in the CBD was right: we do need our own facilities as Caribbean Americans here in the South Florida community. View article here.

The city of Miramar voted to reject the plan to host the Broward Caribbean carnival in the city that was hoped for on October 7. The amount of people expected to attend the event and parking issues were among the reasons listed. According to the article the carnival has been bounced around various sites in the past and that counted against it. The rejection went ahead despite the obvious economical and cultural benefits.

This is definitely a blow to the community. See the article in the Sun-sentinel here.

Recent Developments and Potential Alliances in the Works

A few recent developments are worth mentioning in regards to the CBD. First, I received a call from the producers of a television show aimed at local Caribbean culture in the South Florida area. Somehow, the CBD came up in discussion due to my involvement with the community. An offer was extended for me to appear on the show and I am currently working on getting the time sorted out. The show I believe will debut later this year. More on that if I am able to nail down the time.

Second, I received another call from the founder of a marketing firm who is building a countrywide network. More on this later but so far this professional business network is getting some really good press and seeking to achieve some really lofty and promising goals. Hopefully, I am able to work out some sort of alliance with these folks as I think that we could be of mutual benefit to each other. This individual thinks the same way and also believes that the connection the CBD is building with the Caribbean American community is valuable.

And thirdly, I am in the process of working out an alliance with a local chamber where a member of this chamber will feature in each issue of the CBD. The details have not been ironed out yet but expect an announcement soon.

The CBD is positioning itself to be of service to the community at large and is being recognized as such. I will make the official announcements once details are finalized.