Celebrating Belizean culture, unity and community empowerment

The vibrant heart of Brooklyn will pulse with the rhythm of Belize next Saturday, Sept. 7, as NYC Belize Parkfest brings the rich culture, music and traditions of Belize to Industry City, downtown Brooklyn.

This highly-anticipated event is set to unite the Belizean Diaspora and the broader New York community in a spectacular celebration of heritage, diversity and community spirit.

Duane Gutierrez, the lead organizer of NYC Belize Parkfest, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday that, “from 4 p.m. to midnight, Industry City will be transformed into a Belizean oasis, offering attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and flavors of Belize.”

He said the festival will feature live performances by top Belizean artists, traditional Garifuna drumming and cultural dance troupes that showcase the country’s dynamic and diverse cultural heritage.

In addition, Gutierrez said a curated marketplace will offer authentic Belizean cuisine, crafts, and products, providing “a true taste of Belize in the heart of Brooklyn.

“The NYC Belize Parkfest is more than just an event; it is the rebirth of a three-decade-long tradition that reminds Belizeans residing in NYC of our homeland,” he said. “This NYC Belize Parkfest is a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) status, and we are dedicated to helping raise funds to help improve the quality of life for Belizeans here in New York City and in Belize. This year we are raising funds for the Youth Sports and Transportation Ministry to help get better equipment for the different Belizean sports teams.

“The NYC Belize Parkfest gives us the opportunity to connect the next generation of Belizeans to their beautiful heritage and inspires them to get more involved with the community,” added Gutierrez, stating that NYC Belize Parkfest “isn’t only for Belizeans; it is an invitation to all our fellow New Yorkers and our extensive Caribbean community to come and learn why we are the ‘Hidden Gem of The Caribbean.’

“Our neighbors can expect to taste our amazing authentic Belizean dishes by supporting our vendors, who will be serving panades, garnaches and our national dish: rice and beans with stew chicken,” he continued. “We will also be having raffles to give away special prizes, and the donations raised from the raffles will also go to supporting our cause.

“There will also be Belizean Government officials coming to speak to the Diaspora, to show their support for the Belizean people,” he said, pointing out that “the real heart of the NYC Belize Parkfest will be the live musical performances.”

Gutierrez said Belizeans artists from different genres have been chosen “to show that we have many talented people that deserve to be highlighted.

“We even took it a step further and invited the next generation of popular artists, fresh from Belize, sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board”, he said. “This Parkfest made sure to close out the show with a strong Garifuna presence with, not one but, two Garifuna legends – C. Wills and the headliner, The World Famous Aziatic.

“The audience can expect to hear Hip-hop, R&B, Latin, soca, dancehall, and our favorite punta,” Gutierrez disclosed. “The NYC Belize Parkfest 2024 is going to be beyond Belize.”

NYC Belize Parkfest will take place at Industry City, Courtyard ½, 2nd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233.

For more information, including event details, please visit www.nycbzeparkfest.org or contact Dona Andrews at 347-626-7580 or send an email to info@nycbzeparkfest.org.

More about Duane Gutierrez

Gutierrez was born in Brooklyn. At 14, he said he embraced his Belizean heritage by moving to Belize. He said this cultural shift, from the fast-paced life of New York to the rural beauty of Esperanza Village in Cayo and the vibrant streets of St. Martins in Belize City, shaped his resilience and adaptability.

He said he returned to New York as a young adult filled with ambition and tenacity. With over a decade of banking experience as a relationship manager at top US banks, such as Citibank, Capital One and Bank of America, Gutierrez said he has helped numerous businesses thrive, offering financial guidance to both local and Belizean clients.

Gutierrez said his professional journey didn’t stop at finance. He said he also has a diverse background in law enforcement, having served in the NYPD Traffic Department, as a police officer in Atlanta, GA, and as an employee of the NYC Sanitation Department. Currently, he operates trains in New York City’s busy subway system, a testament to his dedication to public service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gutierrez said he is a committed humanitarian. He founded and currently serves as chairman of NYC Belize Parkfest, a nonprofit organization that, he said, strengthens communities both in New York and Belize.

Gutierrez said his leadership and passion are driven by the phrase “Sub Umbra Floreo” (Under the Shade I flourish).

In a city known for its towering skyscrapers, Gutierrez said he envisions a future “where, together, ‘We will flourish.’”

He said his “unwavering commitment to his Belizean roots and community service” make him “a dynamic and compassionate leader.”