New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said that the city contains a wonderful mix of cultures and traditions, and noted that the Caribbean American community stands out for its energy, vibrancy and strong sense of community.
During a Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration in June at the Surrogate’s Courthouse in New York City, Stringer complimented four outstanding Caribbean American honorees, and the one million plus others who he said have enriched the daily life of all the five boroughs with their creativity and hard work, to make the city what it is today.
“New York City has a long, proud tradition of welcoming and empowering immigrants, and we have a responsibility to help them adjust to their new homes, and to give them the tools they need to thrive,” added the politician.
“Just as you’ve helped to build our city, we need to ensure New York’s government works for you,” said Stringer who was full of praise for Camille Joseph, deputy comptroller of Public Affairs in the office of the New York City Comptroller.
Joseph who is of Haitian and Jamaican ancestry, in her glowing introduction, called Stringer an advocate for the Caribbean community.
Stringer in turn lauded Joseph, the youngest person to ever hold such a position — for the remarkable work she does in the comptroller’s office.
“This is just another example of how we can make New York a city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. By working together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve,” said Stringer.
The comptroller called the honorees pillars of the Caribbean American community and recognized the Una Clarke who sat in the audience. He then presented the nationals with commendations.
Thomas Bailey, president of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association who had made a significant contribution to the carnival over 30 years, was one of the distinguished commendation recipients.
Others included: Garry Pierre-Pierre, executive director of Community Reporting Alliance, and a Pulitzer Prize Winning, multi-media and entrepreneurial journalist; Audrey Phillips-Cesar, board chair of Caribbean Women’s Health Association, Inc. and president and CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, Lowell Hawthorne.
Steelpan player Carl Brooks of Sesame Flyers International entertained the audience which comprised a wide-cross section of the Caribbean American community.
