[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 113 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE WEST INDIAN CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 29, 1996

  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
achievements of the Connecticut West Indian community as they celebrate 
the independence of nations throughout the Caribbean.
  The centuries, the West Indies received immigrants and settlers from 
every area of the world. These varied influences have mixed throughout 
the years to create a uniquely diverse cultural heritage. Once 
dominated by colonial powers, the people of the Caribbean islands have 
gained their independence, starting with Jamaica in 1962 and 
culminating with Nevis in 1983.
  Celebration '96, enthusiastically supported and participated in by 
Connecticut residents, will be held from July 25 through August 3. The 
celebration is a yearly gala to promote and interpret Caribbean culture 
in the Northeast region, as well as to highlight and showcase the unity 
and cooperation among the Caribbean people.
  West Indian Celebration '96, is led by the West Indian Celebration 
Committee, which is comprised of Marva Douglas, Mark Bailey, Anastasia 
Couloute, Barbara Diggs, and Egan Bovell. Special thanks also go to 
members of the activities committee: Joann Gibson, Neville Smith, 
La'mour Howell, Veronica Airey-Wilson, Olive James, Dennick Miller, 
Brenda Chester, Errol Smith, Dee Flowers, Keith Carr Sr., Martin 
Nelson, and to the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc., the 
Caribbean American Society of Hartford, Inc., the Jamaica Progressive 
League, Inc., the Trinidad and Tobago American Society, the St. Lucia 
American Society of Hartford, Inc., the Sportsmen's Athletic Club of 
Hartford, Inc., the Caribbean Ladies Cultural Club of Hartford, Inc., 
the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Hartford, Inc., the 
Barbados American Society of Hartford, Inc., and the Connecticut 
Haitians American Society.
  I would like to congratulate the United States' second largest West 
Indian community for not only their achievements, but their positive 
community presence and involvement. I encourage them to continue to 
celebrate their heritage that enriches the lives of all Americans.

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