Dear Mrs. Cecile Ford,
I am writing on behalf of T-VICE in response to your recent statements concerning T-VICE’s absence from the Eastern Parkway during this year’s West Indian Day Parade, particularly the suggestion that T-VICE was not granted a permit because of rules that were allegedly violated in previous years.
First and foremost, I want to make one point absolutely clear: T-VICE did not apply for a permit to participate on Eastern Parkway this year. Therefore, it is inaccurate to suggest that T-VICE was denied a permit or that our absence from the Parkway is the result of disciplinary action or violations from previous years.
T-VICE made a deliberate decision not to participate in the parade on Eastern Parkway this year.
We made this decision collectively after taking into consideration the current circumstances affecting Haiti and the Haitian community, both in Haiti and in the United States. The uncertainty surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the changes affecting Haitians in the United States, the difficult political and humanitarian situation in Haiti, and the continued deterioration of security and stability—including the recent events in Kenscoff—have all weighed heavily on us.
For us, this is not simply about performing at a parade. It is about understanding the reality our people are facing and showing solidarity with them.
Our decision should therefore not be misrepresented as a permit issue. We chose not to participate.
There is also another important matter I would like to address respectfully.
Haiti has its own carnival and cultural traditions, just as every country and community represented during the West Indian Day Parade has its own way of expressing and celebrating its culture. Haitian carnival culture has historically been characterized by tremendous crowd energy, elaborate floats, powerful sound systems, animation, vibrant colors, musicians, performers, and, importantly, the display of Haitian flags.
This is part of how Haitians express our culture.
Other Caribbean nations may have different traditions. Some may place greater emphasis on costumes. Others may focus primarily on music, dance, or other forms of cultural expression. There is no single definition of what Caribbean culture should look like.
Our culture should be respected in the same way that we respect the traditions of every other community participating in this celebration.
We fully understand that the parade has rules and that those rules must be respected. T-VICE has always understood that participating in an organized parade requires coordination, responsibility, and respect for the organizers. However, there must also be an understanding that cultural expression cannot simply be dictated or reshaped to fit one particular vision of what a Haitian cultural presentation should look like.
We respectfully ask that our Haitian carnival traditions be allowed to exist and be celebrated as they are—not as someone else believes they should be.
T-VICE has been part of the Haitian cultural landscape for decades, and we take great pride in representing Haiti and Haitian culture around the world. Our presence has always been about bringing people together, celebrating our music, and showcasing the vibrancy of our heritage.
For that reason, I believe it is important that the public understand the truth about our absence this year.
T-VICE was not denied a permit. T-VICE did not request a permit. T-VICE made the conscious decision not to participate on Eastern Parkway this year.
We hope that this clarification puts an end to any misunderstanding surrounding our participation and allows the focus to remain where it belongs: on our community, our culture, and the people of Haiti who are going through an extremely difficult period.
We remain respectful of the West Indian Day Parade, its organizers, and the many communities that come together to celebrate their heritage. We simply ask for the same respect for T-VICE, for Haitian culture, and for the decisions we have made concerning our participation.
Respectfully,
Jessie Al-Khal
T-VICE Management
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