Yvette Rennie, the Trinidadian-born president of J’ouvert City International, Inc. (JCI), organizer of Caribbean J’ouvert in Brooklyn, says the launch of the Caribbean cultural event on Saturday, Aug. 2, on Maple Street in Brooklyn, was “a big success.”

“The community came out to give support for the J’ouvert,” Rennie told Caribbean Life. “All of the homeowners on the block were in sync with us, and they enjoyed the culture and the bridging of the culture on the block (between Nostrand and New York Avenues).”

Rennie said attendees received “good outreach information that was beneficial to their children” and “information in case they run into immigration emergencies to reach out for help.”

“Although we were cultural, I strongly believe that, whenever we’re celebrating, it’s important to give information to our community residents,” she said.

“We’re very thankful for the young people in different organizations to keep the community safe – not only in J’ouvert but throughout the summer,” Rennie added. “It comes like a neighborhood watch. Out of that collaboration, it always has positive results.

“I’m training a lot of younger people to carry on the culture – to learn the ropes,” she continued. “We have to keep the culture alive.” 

Rennie said several masquerade, steel, and rhythm bands participated in Saturday’s event. Among them were: 2J Friends; King Jab & Friends; Wingate Original/J’ouvert Rebel; Jab Family; Soface International, Inc.; and Harmony Steel Orchestra.

Rennie said the headliners were Soca/Calypso artist Denise Belfon, Mau Brothers, Soca George, and Meshach.

She thanks DJ Master Mix, Jr VYBZ, and Allan Bakery for “their continuous support and Opal Lynch, whose involvement is immeasurable.”

Rennie said face-painting artists were also on hand  to “light up the faces of our young children.”

Victor Mungo, the Trinidadian-born band leader of Wingate Original J’Ouvert Band, told Caribbean Life that his band was among the original players with JCI, but took a break for a few years.

“But we now decided to come back (last year),” he said. “We missed the J’Ouvert. Being we were first here, we wanted to put a statement in that we’re here.

“It’s changed for the better,” added Mungo, referring to Caribbean J’Ouvert in Brooklyn. “A lot of people participate in it. It’s good.

“Come out and have fun, and look for the Orginal J’Ouvert players, the old school players,” he continued. “Come out and enjoy yourself safely.”

She said over nine steel orchestras, 10 rhythm bands, and 24 masquerade bands will participate in this year’s “J’ouvert Theatre of the Streets” under the theme  “Cultural Visionaries Celebrating the Art Form with Unity, Happiness, Respect, and Safety.”

Rennie said 14 cultural ambassadors, who have worked with the community throughout the carnival season, “to ensure our culture is celebrated in a safe atmosphere,” will be honored.

They comprise: Man Up, Inc.; The God Squad; Elite Learners, Inc.; Brownsville Think Tank Matter Inc./DRUM; Project Echo; Brownsville In; Violence Out/CAMBA; Taylor Made For A King; Switching Lifestylez; Operation Hood; Lay Your Guns Down; The Wick Against Violence; and Revelation Solders.