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THE NEW YORK STATE PARKS DEPARTMENT HAS AGREED TO NAME JULY 15 "CARIBBEAN DAY ON ELLIS ISLAND".

New York, NY. April 30, 2001. Antigua and Barbuda's Director of Tourism, USA Mr. David Fernandez announced today that The Caribbean Tourism Organization and four of its chapters: New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut and New York are uniting again for the second time to promote the Caribbean Islands and its varied cultures in a cultural festival on Ellis Island, Saturday July 14th, 2001.

Last year's event was such a success that Ellis Island will be participating this year. Representatives from the Parks Department said that they found the festival to be a very appropriate event for their venue, a historic landmark, which is home to a wonderful immigration museum which houses cultural items from the citizens of all the countries who came through its doors entering the United States. 

As a result of that interest, the New York State Parks Department has agreed to name the day CARIBBEAN DAY ON ELLIS ISLAND. CTO member countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, will have the opportunity to promote their destination.

As was the case last year, there will be a large tented area for all-participating CTO member countries and Ellis Island to exhibit items of a cultural nature. Also to be included in the program on center stage will be Caribbean entertainment, which will be featured throughout the day. This created a very festive atmosphere last year, and participants enjoyed music and contributions from several CTO destinations. In addition, the Ellis Island Catering Department will have food stands along the grounds serving ethnic Caribbean dishes.

Fernandez further noted that events such as this highlight our cultural heritage as well as our local arts and crafts, music and food. The festival also provides Antigua and Barbuda much needed publicity within the United States Marketplace.

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