06-01-02 : Hawks Pulls out of Labor Day Carnival 2002

"Pause For The Cause"

Over the past 29 years Hawks International has been supporting the Labor Day Carnival on Eastern Park way with its massive presentation. Each year we are confronted by numerous obstacles such as inconsistent regulations arbitrarily forced on the MAS Camps by the governing authorities.

This circumstance has been exacerbated with the lack of City & private sponsorship. After each carnival we receive an abundance of accolades from the authorities in admiration of our conduct and cooperation. Promises of improvement of these conditions by said authorities have consistently not been horned. However as is the case this year the MAS Camps find themselves confronted by raids, threats and intimidation by the authorities.

In the circumstances we find it necessary to withdraw from this year's celebration and look forward to a mutual cooperation amongst the bandleaders, steelbands, calypsonians, and West Indian American Day Carnival Association to assist with allowing our culture to perpetuate. Until the powers that be recognize our significant contributions to this Cities economy and reciprocate by addressing the aforementioned conditions these problems will continue to manifest year after year.

We sincerely apologize to all our section leaders, family, friends, patrons and most importantly our children. We urge everyone to go down to their local Mas Camps and let your voice be heard by signing a petition or send your information and thoughts to:

Email : culture@hawksintl.com

Address: Hawks International
PO BOX 100366 Brooklyn, NY 11210-0366

Dare to forge the future . . . make the difference.