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8/9/2012
As the 28th annual Cariwest Festival hits the streets of Edmonton this weekend, this year's reincarnation of other parades worldwide has special significance.
The festival is marking the 50th anniversary of independence for two island nations: Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.
"There's a large contingent of Jamaican nationals living in Edmonton who have a special celebration in the parade," said Cariwest President Donna Coombs-Montrose. "This is the only year we'll be seeing that... we've created a platform for them to do so."
"I know at the Olympics they talked about Usain Bolt's achievements as a Jamaican. They mentioned that his 100-metre victory was on the date of Jamaican's independence. But it has special significance for the entire Caribbean community because of where we've all come from as colonial subjects with a colonial history."
Bolt became the first ever to capture the 100-metre and 200-metre in back-to-back Olympics, leading a Jamaican sweep of the podium.
The parade will wind its way along 102 avenue to Churchill Square beginning at noon on Saturday. (sj/ks)
Photos by 630 CHED's Scott Johnson
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