New York City – The West Indian Day Parade Committee has selected City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn as one of the Grand Marshals of this year’s parade. Together with activist Harry Belafonte Jr. and Soca artist Machel Montano, Speaker Quinn will lead the march of tens of thousands on September 3rd.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the parade, an annual celebration of Caribbean culture, music and dance. New York’s West Indian American Carnival is the largest event of its kind in the country, and more than three million people are expected to attend.

Speaker Quinn stated, “I’m thrilled and honored to have been chosen as a Grand Marshal in this year’s West Indian Day Parade. This parade is without question the premier Caribbean cultural event in our City, and never fails to fill the crowds with joy and excitement. New York’s Caribbean community has so very much to celebrate, and it is with pride and admiration that I join the festivities as Grand Marshal.”

In their selection of Speaker Quinn as a Grand Marshal, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association noted their appreciation for the Speaker’s support of the community and WIADCA.

“The West Indian American Day Carnival Association is greatly honored for City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to serve as our 2012 Grand Marshal for the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade. The Honorable Christine Quinn has been at the forefront within all communities of the City of New York as an inclusive leader, respecting all cultures. She is now a part of our esteemed roster of City Council leaders that have held the title of Grand Marshal – the Honorable Thomas Cuite, Majority Leader of the Council and the Honorable Paul O’Dwyer, President of the City Council,” said William R. Howard, First Vice President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association.

Council Member Mathieu Eugene applauded the Speaker’s selection: “I would like to congratulate Speaker Quinn for being chosen as a Grand Marshal in this year’s West Indian Day Parade. This is a special honor and I commend her for her work to support my fellow brothers and sisters from the Caribbean. I look forward to marching with her in the parade and continuing my efforts to promote the rich history, heritage and culture of people from the Caribbean.”

Borough President Marty Markowitz stated, “I will be thrilled to welcome Speaker Quinn and her fellow grand marshals Harry Belafonte, Jr. and Machel Montano to the West Indian American Day Carnival and Parade. This annual event is 45 years strong and draws millions to Eastern Parkway to celebrate Brooklyn as the Caribbean Capital of America. Speaker Quinn already has the luck of the Irish, but this Labor Day she will join me as a ‘proud Trini from Tunapuna’!”

The West Indian Day Parade will begin at 11:00 am on Monday, September 3rd at Schenectady and Eastern Parkway, and will end at 6:00 pm.

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