The New York State Legislative Council, recently passed a resolution put forth by Sen. Roxanne Persaud and co-signed by other senators in the New York State Legislature in Albany, in recognition of Guyana’s 47th Republic Anniversary, observed on Feb. 23.
Sen. Persaud whose 19th Senate District is home to a large population of Guyanese citizens, presented the resolution plaque to Hon. Barbara Atherly, consul general of Guyana to New York on Feb. 18, during the Black, Hispanic and Puerto Rican Caucus weekend, against the backdrop of Guyanese, in the Capital Building.
The lawmaker then joined compatriots, for a photo opportunity on the Great Western Staircase, also known as the Million Staircase, in the Capital Building.
Consul General Atherly said, “I would like to thank Senator Persaud for this resolution from the New York Legislative Council, in recognition of the 47th Anniversary of Guyana’s Republic Anniversary. This resolution recognizes our contribution, as we keep our history and culture at the forefront in America.”
“The legislative body has seized this opportunity to recognize an event such as this, that fosters ethnic and cultural unity. As Guyanese, we recognize our rich diversity, and will use this anniversary to continue to promote our rich cultural heritage, while living here in the Diaspora.”
Senator Persaud, who migrated to the US from Guyana in her teens, said she was excited to welcome the Guyanese community to Albany, and thanked the citizens for showing up in their numbers, bringing donations of Guyanese cuisine, which were enjoyed by all.
The lawmaker, who was overwhelmingly voted in last November, for a full-term in the Senate, told Caribbean Life that her work with Legislative Women of Color caucus that hosted the second Say Her Name Panel and Power forum themed “Perseverance through Sisterhood: Strengthening Community Foundations — is fulfilling.”
In addition to working towards a firearm violence research institute, and a bill to prevent the sale of ammunition for assault weapons, the senator hopes to conclude measure S1321 that provides test preparation for certain students intending to apply to take the specialized high school admissions test.
The senator is also seeking the assistance of other lawmakers in sponsoring a bill that would allow the state to subsidize payment for diapers for kids under the age of one.
She also hopes her push for centralized community centers for youth outside of the NYCHA development, would be passed sometime soon.
