Community Hosts Carnival Kick-Off

Toronto Police Service (TPS) teamed up with Eastview Community Services to co-host this year’s Caribbean Carnival kick-off at Kempton Howard Memorial Park on July 25.

“We are so happy to co-host this event with our longstanding community partner to bring our annual launch directly to the community and to combine our launch with your Eastviewana,” said Chief Myron Demkiw.

“I look forward to the festive and energetic atmosphere of the Kiddies Carnival and seeing all of the amazing costumes as the children dance in a parade through the neighbourhood to the beat of the Caribbean music. Thank you for welcoming us and for partnering with us for this Carnival launch. It is such a pleasure to be here to celebrate this event in this community with you.”

Eastview Community Centre Program Director Lauren Jack thanked TPS for partnering with her organization.

“I really appreciate having this experience brought to our children,” she said. “This is the fourth year we are doing Eastviewana that allows our children to experience various cultures.”

This year’s Carnival theme is ‘It Takes A Village to Raise A Child’.

“As we look forward to the future, to the next generation, we are mindful of the past,” said Toronto Police Service Board Chair Ann Morgan. “We embrace the future collectively, raising our children with fresh ideas and renewed energy while we acknowledge that, over the years, there have been a number of real and significant challenges of the past, challenges that undoubtedly affect the relationship between police and the community, especially police and our young people.

“I believe that we are in a period of optimism and of sincere hope. We have built and continue to build remarkably effective and meaningful partnerships with individuals, community groups and agencies, working in the spirit of mutual support, respect and education. Together, as a village, we will confront our challenges through dialogue and through partnership.”

The event culminated with dance by the Mwendo Dance Group and a Kids Carnival led by Demkiw.

“The participation of our young people is an especially powerful symbol of the hope we place in partnerships and in the future,” added Morgan. “Today’s parade is a visual demonstration of this incredible concept coming to life in the Blake/Boultbee neighbourhood, a concept we see replicated in neighbourhoods throughout this great city. There is so much we can achieve together. Together, we are raising these children.”

Toronto Caribbean Carnival Chair Jennifer Hirlehey said Toronto Police is the "community’s backbone.”

“Without Toronto Police, we would not be able to put on this Carnival and that is because they are responsible for making us all safe,” she pointed out. “We cannot express how thankful we are to every single police officer. You keep us safe and make us proud.”

Some Caribbean consul corps members attended the event that started in 1991.

“Carnival is about good vibes, happiness and joy which are things we all need a bit more in this world,” said T & T Acting Consul General in Toronto Tracey Ramsubagh-Manette. 

The Community Partnership & Engagement Unit, led by Constable Curtis Celestine, organized this year’s event. 

He recognized Rick Gosling and Zubeda Nanji of the Children’s Breakfast Club who have supported the event in the last 33 years.