BLADENSBURG, MARYLAND: Maryland governor Wes Moore joined hundreds of Caribbean nationals and supporters at the Caribbean Heritage Festival held at Bladensburg Waterfront Park last Saturday, celebrating the rich culture, contributions and enduring legacy of Caribbean people across the state.

The festival transformed the waterfront into a vibrant display of Caribbean pride, with attendees dressed in the colours of their respective nations as they enjoyed music, traditional cuisine and cultural performances. Representatives from across the Caribbean diaspora gathered for the annual celebration which highlights the region's influence on Maryland's social, cultural and economic landscape.

Addressing the large crowd, Governor Moore spoke proudly of his Caribbean roots, noting that his mother, Joy Thomas Moore, hails from the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica. “I know where I come from,” the governor said. “I am proud of my Jamaican heritage and proud of my Caribbean heritage”. Moore praised the resilience and determination of Caribbean people, describing them as individuals who refuse to back down in the face of challenges, and who continue to honour the sacrifices of previous generations.