Homecoming for the Caribbean

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Feb 25, 2023 12:02 am

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Miami-based professional dancer and therapist Abby Laura delivered soca remedy in the Tribe's Molly costume.

Cultural curator Rhea Prendergast shares her take on Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.

"For those trying to understand the magic of Trinidad Carnival, the mother of all carnivals, think about it like a homecoming for the Caribbean. For about a week or just two days if you're only counting mas, Caribbean people from all over the region/abroad and lovers of the culture alike unite for an experience, not many can put into words.

Magical. Euphoric. Freeing. Spiritual. Unreal. Carnival.

As people always seeking more and having the ability to mould into a variety of environments, we tend to find ourselves in pockets all over the world. We call New York City our pocket."

A friend group of Jamaicans, Trinis and Bajans all living, working (and feteing) at home and away, decided to take Trinidad Carnival 2023 by storm. Bringing each of their unique perspectives from an upbringing in their home islands with them, meet the crew.

From left: Abby Laura, Alexi Lyn Shue, Soraya Dabdoub, Keiana Byfield and Ashley Gordon take a glam shot before heading on the road.

We ain't come here fi no stand up! Reconnecting from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami and Kingston for J'ouvert Jum-Beez were friends (back row, from left) Christian Alberga, investment analyst; Liam Luke, account executive; Jaden Wright, product manager; Jamaal Hay, software engineer; Kieran Neath, analyst; Lorne Barrett, medical doctor; Joshua Doonquah, trader; and Tyler Neath, software engineer. Centre from left: Abby Laura, professional dancer and therapist; Menelik Graham, technology investor; Emmanuel Sylvester, software engineer; and Ashley Gordon, professional dancer. Front row, from left: Soraya Dabdoub, actor and director; and Keiana Byfield, actuarial analyst.

From left: Kieran Neath, Keiana Byfield, Christian Alberga, Emmanuel Sylvester, Alexi Lyn Shue and Tyler Neath.

Back row, from left: Menelik Graham; Jaden Wright Kieran Neath; Joshua Doonquah; Christian Alberga; Jamaal Hay; Liam Luke; and Tyler Neath Front, from left: Alexi Lyn Shue; Abby Laura; Soraya Dabdoub, Emmanuel Sylvester; Keiana Byfield; Ashley Gordon and Lorne Barrett.

Software engineer Tyler Neath feted with long-time friend, cultural curator Rhea Prendergast.

Alexi Lyn Shue, brand strategist, plotted head-turning moves in Tribe's Amazon costume..

Professional dancer Ashley Gordon claimed the limelight in the Aella costume..

Briana Bachew (left), Parson's School of Design programme coordinator, and Rhea Prendergast shared bright hellos at the Sunrise Breakfast Party..

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