Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith Helps New Yorkers Show Cultural Pride in West Indian Heritage

(Albany, NY)- Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith which will allow New Yorkers to purchase distinctive license plates in recognition of the “West Indian American Day Carnival” passed the Senate.

“The West Indian American Day Carnival staged each Labor Day down Eastern parkway in Brooklyn has generated significant revenue for New York City and New York State,” Senator Smith said.  “Many people from across the nation come to New York to take part in the celebration of cultural pride that is so joyously displayed during the carnival and parade.  The West Indian American Day Carnival Association has been the prime sponsor of the carnival and parade for several years. The authorization of the West Indian American Day carnival license plate will create a new and reliable source of revenue from which both the State and the Carnival Association will benefit.”

License plates will be available for a service charge of $25 in addition to the regular registration fee prescribed by law. This service fee will go directly to the West Indian American Day Carnival Association to be used to support the annual West Indian American Day parade and carnival.