Jump to content

De Blasio rules out canceling J'Ouvert as Brooklyn assemblyman calls for an end to the celebration a


BM5 via Woodhaven

Recommended Posts

usa-culture.jpg

J'Ouvert must go on. 

 

Mayor de Blasio ruled out canceling the predawn festival altogether Tuesday, one day after two people were shot and killed during the rowdy revelry. 

 

His endorsement of the event comes a day after he declined to rule out nixing the event next year, saying "all options were on the table" when it came to getting the celebration under control. 

 

"J'ouvert will continue. It's an event that's very important to the community," de Blasio said. "We were not including the option of ending something that has gone on for decades." 

 

A handful of other elected officials, however, said J'Ouvert either needed to be suspended or significantly restricted. Assemblyman Walter Mosley, whose district includes Prospect Heights and parts of Crown Heights, applauded the "herculean effort" of the NYPD, City Hall and others — but lamented it had not been enough. 

 


"It cannot be tolerated that this event has appeared to become a predetermined point of destination to settle individual disputes through violence," Mosley said. "After long consideration, it is with a heavy heart that I call on a suspension of the J'Ouvert celebration." 

 

Mosley appeared to be the first elected official to call for an end to the predawn party, which precedes the New York Caribbean Carnival Parade. 

 

Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, whose district includes parts of Crown Heights, said J'Ouvert should be restricted in way similar to Times Square on New Year's Eve. 

 

"It should be held in a specific area, and not all over the place," Robinson said. "People can have the same celebration within a certain time period — then that's it, it's over." 

 

The calls for change were prompted by the shooting deaths of Tyreke Borel, 17, and Tiarah Poyau, 22, who were shot in separate incidents near Flatbush Ave. and Empire Blvd. early Monday. Police believe neither were the intended targets. 

 


http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn-assemblyman-calls-ouvert-killings-article-1.2780026


Link to comment
Share on other sites


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.