The first annual Caribbean Week Toronto (Sept. 26 to 30) has residents experiencing the sights, sounds and flavours of the globe's most popular tropical region.
The week of events and entertainment has been arranged by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in conjunction with the Caribbean Hotel Association, as a way to help Canadians celebrate the vibrant culture of the Caribbean.
"The goal of the first-ever Caribbean Week in Canada is to both share our love and appreciation for our Canadian friends and give all who participate a taste of the region so they are inspired to visit and enjoy first-hand the excitement and diversity of the Caribbean," said Hugh Riley, the Caribbean Tourism Organization's director of marketing.
The celebration also highlights the contribution of Caribbean-Canadians who have worked to better Canada's multicultural community. The first annual Governments of the Caribbean Gala and Awards Presentation, which takes place Friday, Sept 29 at the Liberty Grand Entertainment complex, will recognize the achievements of former Etobicoke-Lakeshore MP Jean Augustine and business executive Andy Parris.
Augustine will receive the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Lifetime Achievement Award for her role as an educator, humanitarian, women's rights advocate and politician who, in 1993, became the first black woman to be elected to Canada parliament.
Parris, a native of Trinidad, first made his mark in Canada in 1984 as regional director of British West Indies Airways International, a position he held until 1990.
Parris quickly established himself as a fixture in the Canada-Caribbean community, representing his native Trinidad as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands for tourism in Canada.
"Many Canadians can trace their heritage back to the Caribbean and the culture of our region is naturally imbedded into the multicultural framework that makes Canada so special," Riley said.
"Even those Canadians with no connection to the Caribbean can appreciate our desire to offer them the type of visitor experience they deserve. We therefore decided to dedicate an entire week to showcase what we have to offer."
This inaugural celebration will close out with two special weekend events:
Caribbean Day with the Jays (Saturday, Sept. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m., Roger's Centre) where the Caribbean Tourism Organization will celebrate the Caribbean and youth culture with the Toronto Jays through specially designed Caribbean entertainment and holiday prize giveaways; and the Toronto Travel Show (Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Toronto International Centre), which will feature a special pavilion where participants can experience a variety of cultural aspects of the region, from tasting delicacies to music to dance demonstrations to art displays to travel seminars to an on-site Caribbean wedding.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the results of a four-month-long Caribbean wedding contest that will culminate in the lucky couple being wed live onstage at the Toronto Travel Show.
Caribbean Week Toronto is sure to become one of autumn's most beloved seasonal events. Visit www.caribbeanweek.ca for more information.
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Jon Sarpong is the Diversity Officer at Durham College. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon Sarpong by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.