ELLIOT THOMPSON'S complaints on your letters page about this year's International Carnival, in Toronto, are thoroughly insulting to Canada and Canadians.
The current incarnation of Caribana exists only because of the generosity, both financially and spiritually, of the taxpayers of Toronto. After years of mismanagement and deficit, Cari-bana was about to end. Violent episodes during the parades had soured corporate investors, infighting amongst the participants was constant, and apart from this, there seemed to be no chance of a budget being adhered to no matter how high it had been set.
It was rescued by the taxpayers of Toronto and Ontario with the only thanks being vague insinuations of racism. You're welcome Mr. Thompson.
As for the comments about the gay float: the parade takes place in Canada, a place that respects and celebrates all diversity. These are the values of this country and they demand respect. I would suggest that if homophobia is an inherent part of West Indian culture perhaps it shouldn't be celebrated at all. One must hope that Mr. Thompson is not a representative example of the culture that he professes such pride in.
