Last Thursday, Aug. 18, was a day of fun and games in Canarsie Park, Brooklyn, for summer campers who took full advantage of the hot temperature, entertainment by Tropical Fete stilt dancers, costume making, a Fire Department NY Firehouse demonstration and NYPD ID fingerprinting.
Thanks to Senator Roxanne J. Persaud of the 19th Senatorial District, hundreds of youths enjoyed games of chess and Jenga on large tables in the park, as well as music and backpacks giveaways during a Family Fun Day in partnership with the Parks Department, Metro Plus, Brookdale Hospital, and Millennium.
Persaud said she had just as much fun as the children who came from summer camps across the borough, bringing along their parents.
After a game of draughts with the youths, the politician was back on the campaign trail fighting to keep her seat, and to advocate for programs for youth, the elderly and the community.
Senator Persaud, who calls herself a hardworking politician, won the seat vacated by Senator John Sampson during a mid-term election in November last year, and is campaigning for a full-term to represent residents of Brownsville, East New York, Canaries Starette city, Bergen Beach, Georgetown, Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay and Canarsie.
Guyanese-born Persaud whose bill to give financial literacy services to the elderly, signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo last month, will press the governor to convert abandon buildings into community centers to expand after school programs.
Her aggressive agenda also seeks funding to provide healthy living for the elderly as she moves to make communities safe in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) program in many parts of her 19th Senatorial district.
Acknowledging continued problems between tenants and landlord, Senator Persaud will strive for equal legislation for both sides.
A former Assemblywoman, and long-standing politician who served as president of the 69th Precinct Community Council in Canarsie, member of Community Board 18, and commissioner on the New York City Districting Commission, Senator Persaud said she is committed to improving all communities and plans to fight for Sandy Flood victims who are still displaced.
The candidate who is expected to have an uphill battle with a female opponent with whom she worked for 20 years is not worried, because at the end of the election process, she said, only one person could be senator, and she hopes the other candidate would be committed to working together for the betterment of the community.
“Let us come together and not be enemies,” she said.
The politician encouraged everyone to come out and vote on Sept. 13 and reminded the Caribbean community that it was important to get involved, especially for their children.
“If you are not concerned for yourself, get involved and help to build your community so that your children could benefit,” added senator Persaud.
Resident of Canarsie, the legislator’s priorities for the district will include safer communities, affordable housing, funding for schools and libraries, supportive services for youth and seniors and quality healthcare.
The senator’s summer programs are found at https://www.nysen
