Caribbean Revelers Celebrate at Parade, Even as Many Are Missing

A jubilant West Indian American Day Parade spread across a brightly colored belt of Brooklyn on Monday. Bass drums boomed and reggae blared from floats that passed through the smoke of countless grills and food stands. Headdresses studded with jewels shared the streets with wings made of tissue paper. But to many, the day was striking for who was missing. A June decision by the Supreme Court that allowed President Trump to end the Temporary Protected Status program singled out multiple countries, including Haiti, a vital and vibrant presence in the New York City's West Indian communities. The program had granted people from troubled countries permission to stay in the United States until it was safe to return home. On Monday, it appeared that there was a smaller Haitian presence at this year's parade. Jackie Des, who set up her food stand on Utica Avenue and President Street while it was still dark out, said that hours later she had yet to sell a single plate of Haitian rice and peas. 'A lot of Haitians used to come out. But this year I don't see many of them,' Ms. Des, 50, said. 'You see one suffer and all of us suffer.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.