April 10, 2012 | 8:56 AM | By

D.C.’s Caribbean Parade Canceled? (Update)

Update (12:53 p.m., Wednesday): D.C.’s Caribbean Carnival organizers tell NBC4 that this year’s parade isn’t canceled yet. The annual event may be held in a different location, and organizers are still encouraging people to register for the event.

Original post: Washington City Paper reports that D.C.’s Caribbean Carnival is no more, at least this year; a shortage of cash has pushed organizers to cancel the parade that runs along Georgia Avenue NW. The parade normally takes place in June, and it’s been a D.C. staple since 1993, drawing together people from diverse Caribbean nations.

Last year’s parade route was cut short because of a lack of funding, and the event was marred by violence that left one man dead.

The parade is still about $200,000 in debt to the city, [event president Roland] Barnes said, and would need at least that much again in order to put on the parade, which had been scheduled for June 23 and 24. While previous mayors have done what it took to make the event happen, this administration isn’t interested.

“We have seen a 180-degree turn in terms of support for this event,” added the event’s executive director, Loughton Sargeant. “It was only a matter of time before the city was going to pull the plug.”

Read more at: www.washingtoncitypaper.com

  • http://twitter.com/monkeyrotica monkeyrotica

    So when are they going to pay the city back the money they owe? And if they aren’t going to, why aren’t they in jail for defrauding the government?

  • http://www.facebook.com/assassinhd Assassinhd Da Rajaa

    SUCKS

  • Disappointed

    The violence that left one man dead was not related to the caribbean parade/carnival.  

  • Eric King

    How is it that D.C. Is making all them millions on speed camera buy can’t put a Lil, back in to the community. #sucks

  • Anonymous

    Correlation is not causation, true, but just do a quick youtube search of “DC Caribbean Festival fights 2011.” Then, answer me this question: Does that scene happen every day? Then answer truthfully. You probably won’t do the search, but if you do I’m pretty sure your answer will be…

    disappointing.