Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station, Manhattan, was transformed into a tropical showcase of the Caribbean islands. Hundreds were seen milling around sipping rum drinks, sampling beef patties and picking up bags of brochures for a tropical vacation.
The hall was festooned with the sights, sounds and cultural diversity of the Caribbean. Stunning backdrops of the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago, Anguilla, Cayman Island, Grenada, and the Bahamas represented the uniqueness of the region and its peoples.
Many in the audience of a cultural presentation enjoyed the spicy rhythm and folk culture of the friendly islanders. Some witnessed a wedding ceremony, while others relaxed for a backrub from Brooklyn’s Hibiscus Day Spa and Wellness Center. The Princess Hotel booth from Guyana also attracted a crowd.
This was one of many events organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to celebrate Caribbean Week, observed from June 5 to 11. These events were also planned as a part Caribbean Heritage Month 2011, proclaimed by President Barack Obama.
CTO’s week in New York combines business sessions and consumer-oriented events with food, fashion, entertainment and networking opportunities.
