HARTFORD, Conn. – In the presence of over 25,000 persons in Bushnell Park, Mayor Pedro Segarra of Hartford, Connecticut honored Ambassador Dr. Neil Parsan with his own day.
Overlooking the beautiful State Capital building, Mayor Segarra congratulated Ambassador Parsan on behalf of the city of Hartford and the Court of Common Council, for being selected the Grand Marshall for the 49th West Indian Independence and Emancipation parade.
The mayor explained to the excited crowd that Ambassador Parsan was selected as the Grand Marshall based on his great effort in representing the People of Trinidad and Tobago in cities across the United States. The Ambassador’s willingness to actively pursue business opportunities and cultural exchanges with the city of Hartford was also a major reason Parsan was selected as Grand Marshall.
“I am humbled by the gesture of the Mayor and the city, I’m looking forward to further engagements with the business community and the office of the Mayor,” said the Ambassador while accepting the proclamation. The city of Hartford has over 110,000 Caribbean nationals, of which approximately 30,000 are Trinidad and Tobago nationals.
Dr. Parsan challenged the organizers of the event into making next year’s parade the biggest event of the year. 2012 will recognize the presence of the Caribbean diaspora in Hartford, as both Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica celebrate 50 years of independence next year.
