Janet Silvera, Gleaner WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
'ALL WORK and no play, makes Jack a dull boy, the same is worse for Jill.' Caribbean leaders, tourism experts, food connoisseurs, diplomats and celebrities will dance, party, dine and hold town hall meetings in New York City next weekend at the annual 'Caribbean Week', slated for Monday, May 31 - Friday, June 5.
The week will culminate with the '31st Governments of the Caribbean State' ball, themed 'The Romantic Caribbean' at the world famous Waldorf Astoria, Manhattan, on Friday, June 4.
KICKIN' OFF THE WEEKEND
A special interfaith celebration at the St. George's Episcopal Church in Manhattan kicks off the week of activities, followed by 'Bahamas Live at the Apollo' on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, June 2, 'Caribbean Fair & Do It Caribbean Wedding,' will create a platform on which a day-long festival of delicious food, fun, flair and romance will take place in Manhattan's Bowling Green Park.
Thursday, June 3, business suits and lounge wears will replace relaxed wear at a series of town hall meetings with Harlem, Brooklyn and Bronx constituents.
On Friday night, fine food, fashion and entertainment will highlight the '31st Annual Governments of the Caribbean State' 'black-tie affair' at the Waldorf Astoria.
The ball, which is a fundraiser for the organisers, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), is held each year to raise funds for the CTO Foundation, which provides scholarships to Caribbean nationals pursuing tourism-related studies.
Through the use of stunning decorations, music from top Caribbean bands, and a menu prepared by Caribbean Celebrity Chefs, the Waldorf's Grand Ballroom will be transformed to reflect a romantic evening in the Caribbean.
STIRRING UP NEW YORK
"With an ambience that is sure to excite and tantalise, this year's Ball promises to be a most stirring event in the New York social calendar," said Hugh Riley, CTO's director of the marketing for the Americas.
The 'Governments of the Caribbean State' annual ball is now in its 31st year and is one of the glitziest social events held every year in New York. It was first held at the famous New York Plaza Hotel, but soon outgrew this location because of its popularity. In the best years it attracted over 700 guests.
The Jamaican team attending Caribbean Week includes Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Aloun N'dombet Assamba, Director General, Carole Guntley Brady and Tourism Director Paul Pennicook, who departs the island on Monday May 31.
