Mayor of the City of New York Eric L. Adams was full of praise for Caribbean nationals during yet another Caribbean American Heritage Month reception at Gracie Mansion, last Thursday, June 27.
The mayor applauded nationals for their contributions to the city, saying, “We’ve all come from somewhere. When anyone tells you to go back to where you come from, say ‘you will go back when they go back to where they come from,’ because everybody came from somewhere. “If we didn’t learn anything else, my Caribbean brothers and sisters, we learned how much you contributed to this city. Go through the pandemic, walk inside the hospitals, and you will see who were there, from all parts of the Caribbean, go look at the small businesses that did not close and stayed open to continue to feed this city. Go look at who were doing the healthcare work. Go look at who made sure the city continued to thrive. You don’t owe this country anything. This country owes you something because of what you have given back to this country,” said Mayor Adams,” decked out in a red blazer, and black trousers.
The politician, who was joined at the podium by Jennifer Rajkumar, the first Indian woman to be voted into the NYC Assembly, and Trinidad-American Hazra Ali, community affairs partner for Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration, said, “I’m proud to lift up Caribbean Heritage Day here at Gracie Mansion. You grace us with your presence. You have done so much, not only for the city, but what you have done has cascaded throughout the entire country. America is what it is because of your contribution, your dedication, and your commitment.”
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
He continued, “the beauty of it all, this is a country that tells you don’t abandon your homeland as you adopt your new, found land. It tells you to embrace it. You bring your music, your sound, your dedication, your academic achievement. You bring your energy. We’re side by side. You believe in family. You believe in faith. You believe in business. You believe in public safety.”
Mayor Adams spoke passionately about nationals, adding, “When I move through the Caribbean community in this city, I see eye to eye because we want the same thing. I am you. I’m perfectly imperfect, but I’m dedicated. We were ready to run this city in the right direction. We’ve been left out too long. Don’t allow them to write our narrative. This is what they did with David Dinkins, he said in a nod to the first black mayor of the NY City.”
“They started talking about him when he turned the city around. He dressed too well. He hangs out too late. He’s not smart enough. Those are the same things they’re saying. Then when we lost Dinkins, who did we get? Giuliani. Don’t let them play us. You have an urban, bald headed, earring-wearing mayor that enjoys every part of being a mayor helping people in this city. We got this, folks,” said Mayor Adams.
The politician, spoke passionately about his accomplishments in tourism, the subway system, education, immigration, and security, noting that the city, with the help of the Caribbean population is moving in the right direction.
“I thank you, my Caribbean brothers, and sisters, for what you have done for this great city. Let’s continue to lift each other up. Let’s continue to build allies and build coalitions, not only from the Caribbean diaspora, but let’s reach out to our brothers and sisters from India, from South America, from Central America, from Nepal, and Bangladesh. Let’s build a coalition of those who believe in the things that we need to raise healthy children and families. I’m happy to be the 110th mayor, second mayor of color after Mayor David Dinkins. We’re going to do this together. Thank you so much,” concluded Mayor Adams, from under a large white tent overlooking the East River.
Ali said to Caribbean Life, “finally, this month has been approved by the White House. It gives up the self-esteem to come out and live in our skin as Caribbean Americans. Way back in the past, I have heard Caribbeans calling themselves black Americans now, we can very much with pride say we are Caribbean Americans, and we are happy to celebrate that way.”
During the festive evening, three Caribbean Americans were presented with Citations of Honor from the Office of Mayor Adams. They are Dr. Melony Samuels, founder and CEO, The Campaign Against Hunger, Eugene Pursoo, former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the United Nations and Dr. Dhanpaul Narine.
“It’s good to be home. Thank you on behalf of the family of the Campaign Against Hunger and 14,000 families that we serve every week. We appreciate Mayor Adams and Ingrid for this wonderful award. God bless you,” said Samuels.
Pursoo said, “as I look at the beautiful words that are inscribed in this citation, I couldn’t help but think that there are many people perhaps more deserving of this than me. But their names are never called, and so it’s on behalf of those people that I accept this with gratitude. I accept this for the many women out there raising families, the cornerstone of our societies. I accept this on behalf of the many women in the world that are doing all they can for our children and our society.”
“All the educators in New York City, this is for you. The principals, the assistant principals, the teachers, related service personnel, assistant teachers, this award is for you. We have in our mayor, Mayor Eric Adams, an education mayor. He is committed to education, so give him a big round of applause, please,” said Guyanese-born Dr. Narine, founder, Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival.
“He will do wonders for education. Once more, thank you very much. This is a great honor for me personally and my family and everyone else, but also for the power of education. ‘You can only change a society, according to Nelson Mandela, if you do so through education.’ Education is the greatest weapon we all have. Let us treasure it,” said Narine.
Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, spoke of the Caribbean community having a direct line to the mayor’s office. There is no stopping us, we are making an impact, she said noting that City Hall made the impossible, possible by making the festival of Diwali a holiday.
“We came together and close all the illegal smoke shops in name of public safety. Caribbean people dominate in fields of healthcare in the legal profession and are opening small business across the city. The sky is the limit for the Caribbean community. I am every step of to the top with you,” said Assemblymember Rajkumar.
Consul General of Jamaica to New York Mrs. Alsion Roach Wilson, OD, chair of the CARICOM Consular Corps, expressed deepest gratitude to Mayor Adams for inviting her to ‘this momentous occasion.”
She reminded that in June 2004, Congresswoman Barbara Lee spearheaded a resolution, recognizing the profound importance of the Caribbean people. “Caribbean Heritage Month is more than just a celebration; it is an affirmation of our contributions to the fabric of this very great nation. Caribbean nationals will leave an indelible mark on the US, in education, healthcare, politics, and the arts.”
“We are the descendants who fought, sweat and sacrifice in the cane and cotton fields, to help built the foundation of this nation.”
“We are the dreamers, the innovators, the change-makers, and we continue to shape America’s future,” said CG Wilson. “Yet as we celebrate, let’s not forget the struggles, for far too long Caribbean nationals have been marginalized, our voices silenced, our contributions overlooked. We have been underrepresented at the table of power. Our needs and concerns need to be heard,” emphasized CG Wilson, in a call to leaders for action.
DJ Suave, Kutter Rhythm and Lima Calbio, former lead singer of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, entertained the hundreds of colorfully dressed patrons who attended what can be described as a delightful evening of celebration.
An incredible collection of paintings by Jamaican Paul Blackwood were on display at the entrance of the venue.
Thanks to shared emcee duties by Ali, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, chief advisor of the Mayor’s Office, and Asst. Commissioner Mayor’s Office Lamona Worrell, in addition to the superior singing of the American National Anthem, by Trinidad born Army veteran, Gerard Placide, the event was well received.
Also in attendance were Senator Kevin Parker, Consular Generals to New York, T&T Andre Laveau, and St. Lucia, Jeremiah Hyacinth, as well as the first black Miss Universe 1977, Trinidad-born Janelle Penny Commissiong. Additionally, professionals of the mayor administration, mostly women, many from the Caribbean, were recognized on stage.
