Brian Bonitto, Overseas Publications Editor
Francisco Banuelos shouts 'Se Si Puedo' (yes we can) while holding a protest sign in the lawn of the Colorado State Capital during a pro-immigration rally in Denver, Colorado, on Monday. Around 75,000 protesters peacefully marched into Denver's Civic Center Park to protest House resolutions which would tighten restrictions on illegal immigration. - REUTERS
NEW YORK:
WHILE MANY in immigrant America took to the streets on Monday, May 1, to demonstrate their economic strength against proposed reforms, it was business as usual for many Caribbean nationals.
The sea of protesters - which comprised mainly Hispanics - played hooky from work in an attempt to gain Congress' attention to their contribution to the U.S. economy. And, as for the islanders' turnout, it was no surprise for many.
BACK-SEAT MENTALITY
"We (Jamaicans) were not as involved as we should ... even though we were in agreement," said Irwine Clare, managing director of Caribbean Immigrant Services, in an interview with The Gleaner.
Clare noted that people from the region were traditionally not hasty to 'pause for a cause' as other nationals, and recalled the low turnout for Freedom Rally, an event organised by the unions to gain the government's recognition two years ago in Flushing Meadows.
He, however, posited some ideas which he thinks could change this back-seat mentality.
"The church has to be behind it," Clare said. "So too musicians ... Labour Day celebrations are always oversubscribed ... We have to use our platforms."
Cecil Riley, Bishop of Freedom Hall Church of God in Brooklyn, agrees that Jamaicans and Caribbean nationals were reluctant to stand up and be counted when it comes to major national issues.
"I have to echo what Irwine said ... Jamaicans are slow to step out and let their voices be heard," said the Kingston-born bishop whose flock spans Florida, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The clergyman asserted that the march was an important stance and gave it his blessings.
"I support it 100 per cent."
CHURCH TOO SLOW TO REACT
The bishop was not only critical of the mote in his fellow countrymen's eyes but his organisation's as well. He bemoaned the fact that the church was too slow in reacting to non-religious matters, but gave his assurance this will change in the near future.
"I plan to meet with my West Indian colleagues to discuss this very issue," he added.
As for Robert Brooks, proprietor of a restaurant in Queens, New York, he did not close his shutters because he is in a service business and the community depended on him.
"I do support the march as a West Indian and foreign immigrant ... and wouldn't chastise anyone for going," he told The Gleaner. "But I'm here to sustain a business and family."
His answer seemed to be in line with Mr. Clare when he said that: "It's a slow process but I think we can get there."
