In this 2016 file photo, then New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio waves Jamaican and Trinidad and Tobago flags at a West Indian Day Parade. Organisers of the event have indicated that it will take place this year despite concerns in some communities over President Donald Trump’s deportation push.
Nothing on ICE
Jamaican social events still on in the US despite immigration raids
NEW YORK, USA — Promoters of entertainment and fund-raising events within the Jamaican community here are, in the main, ignoring fears and concerns among Caribbean nationals about the possibility of such events being raided and disrupted by Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Word of anxiety within the Diaspora started spreading as the Donald Trump Administration continues its drive to remove undocumented migrants from the United States.
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However, promoters, organisations, and others across the country say they are forging ahead with plans to hold the usual slew of entertainment and fund-raising activities.
Many of those who spoke with the Jamaica Observer on the matter neither confirmed nor denied the information about the concerns. However, promoters of two of the more popular events — Grace Jerk Festival and West Indian Day Parade — have confirmed in interviews with the Observer that the events are scheduled to take place as planned.
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“We are in the middle of completing plans for the festival and will make an announcement at the appropriate time,” said Eddy Edwards, who is involved with the planning of Grace Jerk Festival scheduled for Miramar, Florida, and Queens, New York.
In Connecticut, the West Indian Social Club of Hartford is also going ahead with its annual gala, set for May 3, and which will mark its 75th year of existence.
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“We have not heard of such concerns,” Errol A Smith, a former chairman of the board of the organisation, said in response to claims of patron fear of attending events.
“We are not worried about such concerns as we are well known [as] one of the oldest organisations around and have always received the support of influential people such as the governor of the state over the years,” Smith told the Observer.
“Our concerns are rather over a possible raid by ICE on the business community or on a individual or individuals. To this end we have been holding seminars to educate individuals and business owners about their rights if they are approached by ICE,” he added.
Smith said that two such seminars have already taken place and more are scheduled.
He said, too, that as many as 500 people are expected to attend the gala.
In Georgia, two leading members of the Jamaican community, Rev Dr Robert Shaw and Wesley Graham, are going ahead with the annual Caribbean Community Awards ceremony set for April 5, 2025.
Shaw, who is also assistant secretary for the Atlanta Jamaican Association, said he is aware of reports of operations being undertaken by ICE in the Atlanta area, “but we in the Jamaican and Caribbean communities cannot allow fear and concerns to derail what we are doing”.
Peter Gracey, the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representative for the southern US, is among a list of people who will be recognised at the awards for contributions in the areas of journalism, sports, education, religion, culture, and entertainment.
Meanwhile, stage shows featuring dancehall entertainers Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man are also being heavily promoted.
Efforts to reach organisers of Groovin In the Park, the reggae and R&B music festival which usually attracts thousands of fans, were unsuccessful. The event was not held last year and there are no signs, as yet, that it will take place this year.
While mindful of fears being expressed among some members of the Jamaican community about the ICE operations, Ronnie Hammick, president of the Brooklyn, New York-based Ex-Correctional Officers Association of Jamaica, said the association will be proceeding with its fund-raising event set for May this year.
“We raise funds to offer scholarships to needy children and to bring awareness to young people about the consequences of incarceration. We believe this is important work and, while we are aware of the current environment, we have to continue to try and make a difference in the lives of those who need help,” he said.
Shows with dancehall Star Beenie Man are slated to go ahead in the US despite concerns by some Caribbean immigrants about Trump’s deporation push (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
