Vincy ‘big truck’ returns to Eastern Parkway on Labour Day

After a four-year absence, a Vincy truck made its re-appearance at the annual West Indian Parade (Labour Day), Monday, September 2, on Eastern Parkway, in Brooklyn, New York.

This was made possible thanks mainly to the Friends of Crown Heights Education Centre.

Friends of Crown Heights (FOCH) is a community-based organization,{{more}} whose chief executive officer (CEO) is Vincentian Vaughn Toney. And it was Toney’s desire to see St Vincent and the Grenadines being featured on the streets for Labour Day, once more.

Held last Monday, the truck draped with the St Vincent and the Grenadines flag, was followed by revellers donned in their cap and gown, parading under the theme “Jump for Education”.

In unison with Mas Production Mas Band and other individuals who have knowledge about music and the Parkway, FOCH formed a committee and made the Labour Day happening a reality.

Toney explained that it was a perfect opportunity to advertise FOCH.

“We are the largest provider of child care in the city of New York, and so we decided to seize the opportunity of advertising FOCH and the service which we offer to one million persons all at once and reach as many as possible,” Toney emphasized.

FOCH offers child care services from two months to four years, pre-school, as well as youth programmes.

With FOCH being the lone sponsor, the featured artistes therefore were Vincentian, in the persons of Luta and Bomani, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Iwer George also lending his voice.

Pounding out mainly Vincy music, the truck was well received by all.

Toney said he thought that the undertaking was well received by all and he sees no reason why this could not be an annual event that persons can again look forward to.

“It is our hope and expectation to continue to participate, as we advertise the service we provide as so many others do… I see no reason why we shouldn’t seize the opportunity to do so. We decided to do this, and our business of child care, which is our main service, was presented colourfully and tastefully and I was very satisfied how it was received,” Toney expounded.

Toney extended thanks to all who made the venture possible. Among them were those who assisted with the co-ordination, the revellers, disc jockeys and artistes.

Meanwhile, Wesley Millington of Mas Production explained that it was indeed a pleasure to be part of this whole return of Vincy presence on the Parkway and to work with Toney and his renowned organization.

“Many persons wouldn’t know this, but Mr Toney has assisted us (Mas Production Unlimited) with obtaining our first sponsor, Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District and they stayed with us for 19 years,” Millington said with a sense of gratitude.