Organizer of Popular New York Festival Hosting Placencia Beach Party to Attract Belizean Diaspora

Hundreds of Belizean-Americans attend the annual New York Belize Caribbean Parkfest in Harlem for live music, food and family activities. A Placencia edition to be held on Sunday, Sept. 16 at the Godfrey family's beach property, aims to build a connection between "Bel-Ams" and their home country.

BUDDY BROWN

By JOLIE POLLARD

Page 3

The chief organizer of the 30-year running “New York Belize Caribbean Parkfest" that attracts up to 5,000 people at a park in Harlem, New York during the U.S. Labour Day weekend, is extending the popular Belizean-American festival to Placencia Village with a "fun on the beach" edition. According to NY Parkfest Chief Executive Officer, Buddy Brown who has been running the festival for the past 15 years, he is expecting the free, one-day party to be held on Sunday, Sept. 16, to grow into the largest annual entertainment event in Belize.

This is the first "Belizean American Reunion” event Brown is hosting in his homeland. The NY Parkfest CEO is one of over 50,000 Belizeans living in the United States according to the most recent U.S. census. Brown said he planned the Placencia event to unite the large Belizean Diaspora with Belizeans at home. “We’re anticipating most of the Belizean-Americans to be visiting Placencia from New York, Chicago, California and Florida.” Brown, whose mother-inlaw is Placencia matriarch, Cunchie Villanueva, said he felt Placencia would be the best place to showcase the beauty of the country to Belizeans living abroad.

“We also want to boost the local economy and tourism industry here. I do hope that the neighbouring villages take advantage and come out to celebrate with us.” He said he’s expecting nothing less than 1,000 attendees.

“The Belizean American Reunion 2018, Placencia Edition” will be held on the Godfrey Family beach property, which is located between the Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar and Cozy Corner Hotel and Restaurant. The line up of Belizean artists performing mostly Punta Rock music, includes Chico Ramos, Berne Valasquez, Supa G, JPM Martinez, Sweet Pain Band, DJ Fabulous and Taprick. New reggae sensation Mile 41 will also be joining the slate. The music culture reflects that of the majority of Bel-Ams who are of Garifuna and Creole descent.

Vendors interested in setting up at the event are requested to contact Ardie Young in Placencia Village at 624-5520 and pay a fee of BZ$100. Event sponsors include Radio Belize Mix and JPM Cuisine of Los Angeles, KSB Auto Sales Inc. of New York, ChaChi’s Live Music Venue and Pizzeria of Placencia and Krem FM and Belikin of Belize City. ▪