OPSEU felt the vibe at Caribana 2009!

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August 4 2009 The “Caribana 2009: Jump Up and Whine” event put on by the Workers of Colour Caucus was a resounding success.

Prior to the Caribana parade on Saturday, the caucus prepared and “dressed” a huge Caribana float with large OPSEU banners and flags. They also organized costumes, food and refreshments for participants while setting up the music for the float.

More than a hundred OPSEU members, family and supporters participated in the OPSEU band. Vince Gobind, an OPSEU member from Local 311, played live Soca, Reggae and Calypso music from the float. OPSEU participants wore colorful and glittery costumes. As one of thirty-eight bands participating in Caribana, participants “jumped up” in front of a panel of judges at Exhibition place and were judged on creativity of their costume design, their energy and their presentation. During the parade route, OPSEU participants continued to jump up and caucus members handed out “Live and Let Live Wristbands” for the hundreds of thousands of spectators that lined the parade route.

The Workers of Colour and band participants, including Peter Thompson, Charlene Tardiel, Colleen La Rose, and board members Nancy Pridham, Debbie Tungatt, and Michael Grimaldi – all felt, saw and heard the Caribana vibe! Caucus members were pleased by the turn-out, and the energy and creativity of participants.

As the largest Caribbean festival in North America – open to participants from all over the world – Caribana continues to be a tribute to Caribbean heritage, and a celebration of diversity.