The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the massive, Brooklyn-based, Carnival Parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway, on Labor Day Monday, on Sunday named prominent Trinidadian-born lawyer Roger V. Archibald as its new president.
WIADCA also appointed Ann Marie Adamson; Franklyn Edwards, Esq.; Jennifer Joseph; Garcia Daley, CPA; and Lamont Joseph (2nd term), as members of its Advisory Committee.
In addition, WIADCA appointed three new Board Members – Vincentian Andrew Maloney, Esq. (chairperson); Dr. Ionie Pierce (treasurer) and Jelani Deshong, bringing the board members to 11.
“These new and returning members bring years of formidable experience in the areas of legal, strategic partnerships, corporate responsibility, finance, entertainment and government affairs to support the organization and its goals,” WIADCA said.
It said Archibald has over 33 years of experience as a civil rights and criminal law litigator successfully navigating matters in both New York State and Federal Courts.
He is also admitted to practice in Jamaica, West Indies, “which makes him eligible to practice in all CARICOM (Caribbean community) jurisdictions,” WIADCA said.
“I am thrilled to experience this full circle moment,” Archibald told Caribbean Life. “Being the legal representative to our organization’s late great co-founder, Carlos Lezama, I developed a deep sense of pride and understood the importance of representation of our Caribbean communities at a time where we struggled to be identified.
“I am honored to have been appointed to lead such a legacy-driven organization, and I hope my contributions will add to the long-term vision that will sustain the organization for generations to come,” he added.
WIADCA said Maloney has served an attorney with more than 30 years of experience as a trial attorney in the areas of family, real estate, employment and trusts and estate law.
“It is with great pride and humility that I accept the honor of leading this illustrious organization to build on the legacy that has been established by its founders and the new goals set by its current members,” Maloney said. “Moreover, I appreciate the opportunity to have been a member of the Advisory Board for the past two years, where I also served on the Governance Committee, under the leadership of our past chair, Michelle Gibbs, who has served the organization with distinction.
“As a native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity and privilege to promote the rich and festive culture emanating from the many islands in the Caribbean and its surrounding neighbors, as we celebrate our differences with ‘One Love’ on full display, especially during the Carnival season,” he added.
WIADCA’s full Board of Directors also includes Cecille Ford (secretary), Rhea Smith (1st vice president), Michelle Gibbs (2nd vice president), Lionel Balmir, Gregory Cox, Karen Crawford, Tricia Guy and Sabra Richardson/
WIADCA said their “talents bring law enforcement, education, community engagement, media, marketing and fundraising expertise to the organization.”
Angela Sealy, Michael Greaves, Thomas Bailey, Sam Corbie, Edwin Cayenne and Molly Hernandez remain senior members of the organization, WIADCA said.
In its 57th year of service, WIADCA said it is “poised to celebrate” its signature 2024 New York Carnival Week – Thursday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 2.
Vending and Float packages are available by visiting carnival.nyc.
