Achi news desk-
After Montreal’s 2023 Creefiesta Parade is canceled, a new coalition is coming together to celebrate Montreal’s Caribbean communities.
This summer, Montreal’s Caribbean Coalition Network will host a summer festival and parade of countries such as Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana.
Karimas spokesman Kirk Bennett said the city has already invested in their plan.
“The municipality gave us this permit, gave us the opportunity to do this,” he said. “We received $30,000 from the city for this project. Our projected budget is $105. So, we’re currently in the fundraising phase of raising $75,000.”
Crimas vice-president Cynthia Wittha said their proposal was accepted because the organizations supporting it have been part of Montreal’s Caribbean community for decades and have long-term plans.
“[It’s] A proposal for sustainability, and when I talk about sustainability, I’m talking about a plan that will stand for the next five years,” said Wyeth. “So we’re talking about the marketing, we’re talking about fundraising, we’re talking about maybe a digital footprint.”
These Caribbean associations say they must work together to keep the event alive in Montreal, especially since it represents such a vibrant part of the city’s culture.
“This is a community event and not a coalition event,” said Karimas President Mark Henry. “We will supervise and make sure that the direction of where we go in the carnival will be in the hands of the carnival of the coalition leaders. It is a community event. That is why we ask for your involvement, your support,
They also said that in a city where some festivals are questionable, everyone is welcome to make it a success.
“Any organization — francophone, anglophone — that wants to be a part of putting together a phenomenal event that the city has never seen,” Wyeth said.
CTV News reached out to the organizers of the canceled Carfiesta 2023 but did not receive a response.
Karims said the festivities will begin in June and include a pageant, parade and party in the park.
