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Organizers of the annual Caribbean Carnival in
Miami, FL., announced that the 2008 edition of
the event will go on as planned on October12 at
Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami. This is
despite the death of Selman Lewis, Chief
Executive Officer of Miami Carnival Inc. Lewis,
60, died on Monday 29 September at Aventura
Hospital in Florida after suffering a heart
attack one week prior. But even as they mourn
his death and make arrangements for his
internment, the Committee sought to allay the
public’s concerns about this year’s Carnival
activities.
In a joint statement released with the Lewis
family, the organizers gave the assurance that
in keeping with the spirit of show business, the
show must go. And so will this 24th edition of
Miami Carnival which will now be injected with
more pomp and circumstances as a Tribute to
Lewis and in celebration of his life and
accomplishments.
While expressing his sadness at the passing of
“this great leader and friend”, Raymond Luke, a
longstanding New York-based member of Miami
Carnival Inc. and he knows that Lewis “would
have wanted it no other way. He would have
insisted that not one beat be missed for this
year’s carnival.” said. “Selman was not just the
consummate professional, he was a cultural
ambassador to his heart.” said Luke.” To him,
Miami Carnival was his way of promoting and
strengthening the image of his homeland,
Trinidad & Tobago. In keeping with this mission,
he engineered plans for the Carnival up to the
day of his illness and in his honor, we will fly
the banner of Trinidad & Tobago as we have done
for the past 24 years during Miami Carnival.”
Luke added.
A veteran masquerader and organizer, Lewis
migrated to the United States in 1969 and worked
in the tourism and marketing sectors for several
years. In 1990 he became the “guiding force”
behind Miami Carnival and as Chief Executive
Officer, made Miami “the place to be” every
October.
In a statement released by Miami Carnival Inc.
Lewis was described as a beloved leader, mentor
and friend…. who leaves us with extraordinary
inspiration to draw upon this Miami Carnival
season.”
Miami Carnival has been an annual calendar event
since 1984 and within two (2) years of its
inception had grown from a neighborhood party
to an international event. In its current status
as the third largest Caribbean Carnival in North
America, Miami Carnival is the foremost
revenue-producing festival in South Florida.
Lewis is survived by his wife Janet, two sons
Christopher and Adrian, daughter-in-law Jerry
and grandchildren Kai and Terrick. In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be made payable to
the Selman Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund.
From
the news desk of Angela Fox - Pan Trinbago