A Caribbean American group in New York is hoping to inject economic vitality into the Bob Marley Boulevard corridor in Brooklyn, NY.

The West Indian American Progressive Action Council plans to unveil several Caribbean flags along the strip from East 98th Street to Flatbush Avenue while hosting a series of community events and projects in collaboration with the merchants and residents to include the Caribbean Week celebration in June 2010.

`We must bring back the economic vitalization of Church Avenue- Bob Marley Boulevard to help our merchants.  We cannot afford to see businesses closed as these businesses create jobs and fuel the stability of our community,` said Michael Russell, President and founder of WIAPAC.
Russell, who was one of the creators of the proposal to rename Church Avenue - Bob Marley Boulevard, said he will also be meeting with various City Council members representing the districts which include the new City Councilman Jumani Williams to move on this project and to complete his portion of the renaming of Bob Marley Boulevard which was not supported by the former City Councilman Kendall Stewart.

`We know that many businesses are suffering due to the economic downturn and high unemployment, but we must be creative and innovative to find avenues that will grow businesses and retain and create employment for our community,` said Esther Haynes-Tross, public relations director of WIAPAC.  Tross a professional events planner and PR/Marketing consultant said she will be working with the various business owners and the community to plan events that will aid in the revitalization of the shopping strip.

By CaribWorldNews