Protesters rally in Miami campaigning for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants. Photo: Courtesy of Family Action Network Movement.
In the months between Miami Carnival in October and the New Year, South Florida is usually busy with a slate of music concert, food festival and holiday gatherings. This time is filled the silky melodies of steel pan and calypso, parades in the streets and a waft of exotic spices from foods fresh off the grill. But not this year.
COVID-19 silenced the spirited gatherings that anchor Florida’s West Indian-themed calendar. The pandemic has been devastating to Caribbean-American communities, including businesses and families. In addition to navigating the dual financial and health crises, some island immigrants have battled to maintain their legal status even as they worked essential jobs that kept health services and critical industries running.