Mount Vernon Mayor, CTO to Host Kickoff Reception for Caribbean American Heritage Month & Caribbean Week in New York

The Honorable Ernest D. Davis Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, NY, along with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), will host a kickoff reception in honor of both Caribbean American Heritage Month and Caribbean Week in New York on Friday, June 1, 2012.

The Mayor's office is inviting guests and dignitaries to help launch what will be an event-filled month beginning with Caribbean Week in New York commencing June 3, 2012 and culminating on June 9, 2012.

"Mount Vernon is a community made up of representatives from over 95 countries of origin," said Davis. "We here in Mount Vernon embrace the rich culture individuals from the Caribbean contribute to our community and find that by celebrating our commonalities, we realize there's very little we have in difference," he added.

Considered the largest regional tourism activity in the New York area, Caribbean Week promises to bring artists, performers, celebrity chefs, fashion designers, models, government officials and prestigious media outlets together for an entire week to showcase the color, spirit and vitality of the Caribbean.

"The Caribbean appreciates the attention that a city with such a significant impact opportunity, like Mount Vernon, New York, is placing on Caribbean American Heritage and the events of Caribbean Week in New York," commented Sylma Brown Bramble, director of the Caribbean Tourism Organization USA, Inc.

Organized by the CTO, Caribbean Week in New York combines business sessions and consumer-oriented events. Beginning with a Gospel Celebration and concluding with the much anticipated Caribbean Fashion, Art and Trade Expo, participants will feel like they are basking in the region's heritage.

Caribbean culture at its finest will take over the northeast region for one week only, providing guests with opportunities to try Caribbean cuisine and beverages, dance to a wide array of music, meet with Caribbean Diaspora during workshops and conferences, and purchase traditional clothing, arts and instruments.

Combined with meetings and seminars for Ministers of Tourism, Directors of Tourism, National Tourist Office representatives and other key tourism and hospitality officials from around the Caribbean, Caribbean Week activities will also include the Rum & Rhythm benefit which is both a fundraiser for the CTO Foundation and a Caribbean culinary experience which enables consumers to mix, mingle and taste award-winning rums and a variety of food from the region.

In addition, Caribbean Week serves as a stage for the annual Media Marketplace drawing travel writers from across North America in addition to the Caribbean Travel and Cultural Fair, Wedding and Vacation Mart which is the setting for the celebration of folklore, culture, religion and tradition including discount vacation packages, elaborate costumes and lots of food and music.