For yet another year, multitudes converged on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York to participate Caribbean style, in the Labour Day parade and as usual, Dominica was represented.
Below are some photos of the celebration taken by Pete Rashford and H. Ettienne.
Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of
DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member.
All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never
censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain
a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.
We will delete comments that:
See our full comment/user policy/agreement.
the Dominican Band was indeed the most decent band on the road in New York Labour Day from other photos I saw say what all u want. hats off to the organizers. WORD!!!!!
The pictures are absolutely fabulous. It is so good to see us representing. keep it u. I have one suggestion though.
What do you think of the carnival committee in DA using Labour Day to lunch the costumes for the following years carnival monday and Tuesday that is held in Dominica? That will give the Dominica leaving in the US, an opportunity to see the costumes and furthermore, more likely to come home and participate in carnaval back home. What do you think. give you opinion
geeez we must learn to agree to disagree. What really does the word hater mean? Can all of you who use it out of context please explain what you mean… cause from where I sit, it seems a difficulty in expressing yourselves are causing you to abuse the word HATER.
FB is not advertising. This should have been advertised more. Great to know there was in fact a band. i commend you guys for risking your lives to represent dominica. yes i said risking your lives because that parade is replete with violence and being a law enforcement agent i know and see first hand the kind of chaos that goes on there.
Sabeniah should be complemented and honored for the stellar job she does year after year, with the assistance of a small group of committed Dominicans, to share Dominican culture, not just in the United States, but in the world. She needs the help of all the Dominicans who were so proud to see the Dominican flag occupy the next most highly profiled position in the Labot Day parade. Please log on to the Know Your Culture website and make a contribution or contact her to tell her how you can help make Dominica’s presence felt on the international stage, not only on Labor Day, but at all of the other events in which the group participates, proudly and tirelessly. I am not a member of the group, but I feel priviledged to offer whatever assistance I can to make Dominica’s presence through Know Your Culture more meaningful. The group needsall of our encouragement to do more!. Let’s give it!
Here we go again!a group try something which was good;the neggativers running a mock.
The presentation was good from the pics;iwas not there cause i,for the same reason with a few people here;they trying to curtail the party,simple cause it get to big for the jews and NYC;but there is no reason to cretise the effort;
This is the perfect presentation for Dominica,maybe a little addition like spits of carnival tradition costume,but that take money to bring up north.However it does look spectacular on the PW.
Got to give this group noth BIG UPS for there work in showcasing Dominica’s culture all the time.They should pay no mind to the haters, that’s dominica’s culture also.
Dominica will always suffer in the music business outthere,due to lack of togetherness;IF promoters can put there heads together and have one nite where all Dominican bands play at a reasonable size place at a convinient time,more Dominicans would partake.
I enjoyed Larry’s place’ jam on sunday nite into monday10 am.all the previous bands, befor ck; jam great.then ck come asking for levels to go up in this small place, which was rediculous, and playing piece of tune for people;CK stopping more than they playing.this must stop.stick to what make you and keep working on inproving it.
all in all big up to the promoters who try;
Ijust feel the more we are together the happier we will be.
Oh my god i feel so good that our calture is alive .
i think for labour day we need to send a few of our cultural acts and carnival acts to incorporate in the parade and make the Dominican section bigger and better. IJS
I am proud that I represented my country, Dominica and be part of the Know Your Culture Band. It was very difficult to wear a heavy white Sensay costume for so many miles down Eastern Parkway.However I did it like I have always done for so many years since 1994 when I organized a sensay band on Eastern Parkway. I still have all those photos that I depict on the Sensay website.
Thanks Sabeniah for the opportunity.I had wonderful time.It was great.
WCK is just pure garbage. Swinging Stars should not lower their standards by playing with these guys. They totally disregard the music that made them famous and now it’s just a bunch of rubbish like triple K. Bring back First Serenade.
them why do u go to their f…in jam ? just stay away a…hole.
Great job just imagine Dominica group is on the FRONT PAGE of a SPANISH New Paper. Go Dominica,
culture is back. Love it.
Qh what lovely pictures our national clothing were so well displayed it’s beautifull I hope that D’ICANS at home were proud to see that we in the diaspora try to keep the name of Dominica at the front
This was a great effort and very proud moment. Congrats Sabina and your team.
I didn’t enjoy my labour day nah even though I was right there, my woman Tri-State dodge me.Tri-State I was told by insiders you would be in BKLYN for the week-end and last minute you call and cancel. What’s up with that?
Alas Tri-State Beauty for the sake of happiness give Admirer your number or accept a date with him. I tired see mister beg and flatter you.Admirer stop admiring and make a move you yourself, talk to the woman!
wck need to stop following triple kay and these other bands… stick to the original bouyon… look other islands taking it and calling it soca.. the original bouyon is what made wck known not all this BS~~~~ plz take valid notes WCK stop with all the noise and play original bouyon or create original bouyon not this evolution crap
SABINA YOU ARE TRYING YOUR BEST. GOOD JOB.
You all make me shiver!!!!!!!!!!
how great. Keep Dominica flame burning in what ever part of the work you go.
This is New York Lobor day, we could see that for england Carnival, in Canada for caribana ect…
I AM PROUD TO BE A DOMINICAN
Wow Wow Wow! The event and photos are great. What a unique touch to the Labour Day events in New York. I hope Dominicans in other States, for example, like California, follow precedence. Thanks for the photos.
MAKE NEXT YEAR BIGGER AND BETTER. 
I love it when we do something to represent DOMINICA!!! GREAT JOB,Sabina and Crew!!! For those who love to give negative comments…Can You do Better? (SMH)
they could design costumes that depict the life of Dominica….ask designers in DA to help, but it’s great that Dominicans are participating..and N.Y has all the costume material…
i enjoyed participating in the parade again this year..and very proud to be part of the know your culture group ..besides the long hours of practice, late nights helping make costumes,aggravtions,and hard work it was really worth it.i feel lucky because not many young ppl my age have the opportunity to be part of a group/family that represent their country up here in the states.
I was there and totally enjoyed it. Great job Sabina you did the best you could. People please stop putting your countryman down. HELP
HATS OFF TO YOU SABINA
BEST FLAG ON EARTH. My heart was filled with such pride yesterday every time I saw a fellow Dominican waving our flag high.
It was a pleasant day. Twas great to run into fellow Dominicans that I hadn’t seen in a while. I was happy that we did not have to keep running from the blazing sun thanks to the cloudy sky which provided us with nice shade. I was proudly waving my DA flag. BIG UP to my country. MONTI, you are right on with your comment.
Go Know Your Culture, Great job, I saw the flyer and I wish I had support the group they look beautiful put more picture we need to see more
love it love
To tell you the truth I was in the crowd and when I saw our flag coming down behind the mayor I waz so happy I actually cried you know why becuz my heart goes out to our country, if you look at the photos on F B DA band was the most decent band it was very unique I was standing by a lady and when she see the flag am holding she said are you from that country and I begin to showcase Dominica on the get go to her you know what the lady said to me she would love to visit our little country that is with peace and tranguility, I was so excited that sabbi and the others could us be know on the parkway, so please don.t sit and just brahay put a helping help nxt year we want to see you all put a hand to support us on the parkway.
Stop the negative comments for one time in your lives…If you have nothing good to say then shut up. Yes it could have been better but negative chat will not help it will only discourage.
Only one thing to say….WCK should just stay home.It is just embarrassing how these guys play. Only noise. Please stay home next year. WCK is an embarrassment!!
Elsa yes they will stay home and your band will play for them!!!!
Totally Agree!
Elsa u nevr like WCK anyway.Why dont U stay home when theyre playing.
smh but SOME dominicans not easy..How can you expect for ppl represent if they know allu going to bring them down.is like allu have to find something to criticize.sabenia and the group worked really hard to make this happen and i surely would like to give them props for that..we was well represented..i decided to walk with them this year and besides the heat and swollen feet i am glad i did because i know it is for my country..good job Know Your Culture keep up the good work
Talk about support I do their events every year and CK just can’t play period. Instead of doing this nonsense on stage they should just stay home. Waste of money if I can’t enjoy their music…….I mean their NOISE. Never again.
girl Elsa I agree. Man gone are the days when we use to have good da music on eastern parkway….I mean First Serenade. That was music…those guys had lyrics, rhythm, music. I especially loved the old mass medlee. I say we never appreciate a good thing. First Serenade was one of the best bands from Dominica, but its just sad our poeple never realized that, and hence support them. Anyways wherever they are… we miss you guys on the Parkway
i hope i doh c u in DA jumping up to the same WCK next year u hater.
I like the effort but the pictures could have been better
Please look at recent pictures…think they are awesome
What a negative lot you are!. Always criticizing and never contributing ideas. I quite agree with Concerned, reserve your spot for the parade next year and come up with ideas for more creative costumes. Sheesh!!!
THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT…..PROPS TO MY PEEPS….
I FORGET ONE TING RESPECT THAT FLAG WE THAT’S THE BEST IN THE WORLD YOU THINK THAT PARROT NICE LOL
I;m not in NY and the parade is not my thing but I agree!. Love that flag, One of an kind and can’t be duplicated. I keep one in my office and one at home. Represent DA any day.
My 2cents…
Nice to see some representation of our culture; great effort by the organizers – kudos to you!!! Nevertheless I live in NY and I was not aware that DA would have a float on the road. Why not publicize this? I for sure would wear my Wob – for years it taking dust in my closet. And perhaps many others would be eager to join as well.
Now @ River Street – why don’t you come up with some bright idea? I am happy to see something different. The other islands have extravagant costumes and pretty sure we don’t have the budget to outdo. My only suggestion would be to incorporate some ole mas into it – the sensay, blackies etc (these may be low cost – but that’s just my opinion).
Lastly, to all those who keep commenting that Labor Day is a waste etc etc etc – this has nothing to do with the DA float or organizers. Over the years the floats are less may be because of lack of sponsorship and also persons find that its too much of a hassle to come to the parkway and when they do they aren’t allowed to get on the streets to participate. Hence you find the turnout is dwindling and persons look forward to the events leading up to the day as opposed to the day itself.
AMEN toeverything else you just said but the publicize thing because i saw flyers all on facebook they tried their best to make it known i even see sabenia at the king of kings handing out flyers making sure that everyone know about it cause last year they went on park way but it wasnt known so this year they made sure they told everyone
I wasnt at the show so I wasnt aware of any flyer nor did I see anything on facebook. But I guess as much as they tried some persons were left uninformed.
Every year the same comment…”not knowing there is a band…” is that just an excuse?
That is exactly what the the politicians, The Jews, the police, and the sad part, with the help of those low lives who see it fit to come on, or around the Parkway and cause trouble. Justifying the calls from persons to ban the parade. It is dyeing a slow death and some of those haters cannot wait for we “BKL” PPLS. to self destruct. Think is only in Dominica this madness is taking place? Think again. The whole World Gone MAD!!!!!
Monti I support you on that. The other islands have big companies to bank roll them, plus plenty slackness and nudity. Some of these women need to stop that nonesene. Why are people putting down an effort made by others to represent the islands. If you ask me the national wear is very timely seeing independence is around the corner.
am so proud of my people love you all and hope they years coming will be better.big respect to my DOMINICA FAMILY
people stop critizing if u can make a difference join in and give ideas to make it better every year we complain about no dominica band is on the parkway KNOW YOUR CULTURE is trying their best to do something to let the spectator know that dominica is unique and u all critize get a life stop standing on the side of the road and make bad comment come in join in there is a lot of room for u i was not there but will sure be there next year God’s will to much negativity people oh dominican we will never grow up when we try to put down other who is will to help it a D…. shame
Well Know Your Culture Dance group for putting Dominica on the Map in the Cultural attire. Love Love Sabina George Keep up the good work.
I did enjoy myself, and there really wasn’t so many bands, (I was looking for WCK what happen?)Anyway I attended this year to rep my husbands and my unborn child country Beautiful (DOMINICA) of which I represented hard. it could have been better, this was my second time in attendance and the second time was no way near the first time. not to many bands, and many people over crowing the streets from jumping the gates over limited the view of the ladies in costumes, there was not enough police in attendance to take control of that and the bands were supposed to be in the middle not the side of the road. Other wise I enjoyed the scene and the colors and being united with so many different cultures, I am from Puerto Rico myself and Love to see so many different flags come together.
the happy face because I really had fun but 
because I really wanted to see WCK in NYC. But it is ok I will be in Dominica for Carnival….. see you soon Dominica
my props goes out to u sabrina for y creativity it made me very proud to see a part of my culture of the caribbean festival in Brooklyn NY . that sure feels nice.
I stopped going to New York for Laobor Day more than a decade ago. I just did not think it was worth the effort.
thanks for telling us. we are richer for it.
Who Cares!?
We all go to LD in NY for different reasons. I haven’t been to Eastern Parkway in a number of years but I do go to most of the D/can social functions in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx and enjoy running into old friends and renewing acquaintances with old friends from all over N. America, Canada, etc.
The huge police presence to deter crime, control traffic and avoid accidents have turned these Caribbean Carnivals in Boston, NY and Canada into Macy’s Thanksgiving kind of parades, and Miami will soon follow. I usually go to Jour Ouvert in Boston and just find a backyard BQ to hang out after.
I’m glad to see that D/ca was represented on the parkway. Kudos to the organizers!
Dominica was well represented.! UHG.I is said UGH.
Liar liar pants on fire. As usual Dominica was the same old same old.GET REAL. We did much better in the 90’sthenews level of participation. We love cultural dress but please “CAN WE GO BEYOND THAT”can’t we be more innovative. I am not saying to not utilise it .But, year in year out it’s the same thing.
If its same thing. Why don’t u come up with a different idea. At least we was represented. Stop haiting. I sure u can do better.
If its same thing. Why don’t u come up with a different idea. At least we was represented. Stop haiting. I sure u cant do better.
how about you come and help represent instead of bringing them down..maybe if you knew all the hard work they put into it you would encourage the efforts made
When you do not contribute then you should not have an opinion.
Sorry I cannot help myself. Shut your mouth if you have nothing positive to say. dont show your ignorance. you must be one of them uneducated people with no sense of self or tradition .Are you even dominican
this is great, i love seeing Dominica well represented around the world. Special thanks to the organizers and participants. great job….
Very nice to see and know that Dominica was represented. love the costumes including the national costume. keep up the good work!
But Ehlas ‘dominicaFirst’ they tried to do a little something. At least a little plus for effort.And in the photos they look small but very colourful.Size is not everything.
Really!!
My Dominica Representin’…..Lovin It
THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS VERY NICE
Overrated, I mean so Overrated! If you weren’t there you didn’t miss anything.
always over rated..labour day is dying out….the weekend parties are more hyped up than the parade it self
its dying out yet the attendance figures remain constant? ho do you explain that?
Some of us just like to bring down our own. Why didn’t you participate to mak eit better? Next year your place is reserved. I was not there and I like what I see.At least encourage the efforts of your peers.
i am sure ppl like triple k missed it hahaha
very much so
No kidding – and this year two people were killed. And that’s a good year. SMH!
I agree there is nothing that you missed if you were not there.