Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr., a Grenadian-born, who founded the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (CACCI), and remained the CEO for more than 30 years, died on April 9, in a New York hospital during this time when many are falling due to Covid-19.
In a profound post on social media, recently, daughter, Renee Hastick-Motes said, “It’s with a heavy heart, on behalf of mom Dr. Eda, my brother Roy Jr., and my sisters, that I announce the passing of the ‘King of our hearts’ Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr., founder, president and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”
“Job well done daddy, we will forever love and cherish every moment we had with him. Thank you to everyone who has shared loving sentiments with us. We truly appreciate it. Continue to pray for us. Love you all. The Hastick Family,” said the Facebook tribute.
Brooklyn Borough President, Eric A. Adams, in a statement, said, “It is with profound sadness and a huge sense of loss that we, and all of Brooklyn mourn the passing of Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., president and founder of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CACCI).
“Dr. Hastick’s longstanding commitment to representing the interests of Caribbean people and business at the Brooklyn, New York City, and New York state levels, and his steadfast endeavors to strengthen commercial links between the Caribbean and the Diaspora are unparalleled, and will not soon be forgotten. I will cherish the decades-long collaboration and friendship that he and I shared. May he rest in eternal and well-deserved peace,” said the tribute,” said Adams.
Senator Kevin Parker, in his sadness, expressed sincere condolences to the Hastick family, adding, “Dr. A. Hastick will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds, he was more than just the president and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, he was a mentor to me, and cared for me like a father.”
“Dr. Hastick was instrumental in supporting small business in our community and empowered everyone he came across. He always reminded us “networking works.”
“May his soul Rest In Peace,” concluded Senator Kevin Parker.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr., founder, president and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI),” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud.
“Uncle Roy, as we affectionately called him, was a mentor to many of us. He wanted to ensure that we excelled in whatever we did. He wanted Caribbean people to be proud of their heritage and to showcase it,” were the words of praise from Senator Roxanne J. Persaud in a recent Facebook post.
The politician advised, “we must all continue to keep his legacy alive. In February, he told me that we needed to discuss a trip to Guyana, something that he has been asking for many years.” She expressed condolences to his wife, Dr. Eda Hastick and children. “May we all remember Uncle Roy with love in our hearts,” she ended.
Community leader, Zamal Sankar called Dr. Roy Hastick a great icon, noting, “It is with great difficulty I send prayers to a Caribbean icon who has departed. He was a mentor, friend, consultant, and confidant to many. Few elected officials in NYC and wider Caribbean did not seek his wise counsel, he had a wealth of knowledge, which he generously shared. We love you Roy,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dr. Una Clarke honored Dr. Hastick, by saying, “Rest eternal, grant him oh Lord, and light perpetual shine upon him.”
Karim Camara, spiritual teacher and author, expressed sadness at the passing of Dr. Hastick whom he called a powerful person, who gave advice, guidance and counsel, and gave the best advice anyone could give me during my tenure as an elected official. He said: “Be yourself.” And then he repeated it, “Just be yourself.”
“May you Rest in Peace and in Power and in Glory, dear brother,” said Camara, in a social media post.
Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr., who was born in the Parish of St. David and migrated to the U.S. in the seventies, was honored with the inaugural Samuel Dunston Award for Business Excellence at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Black History Month tribute, where he received loud applause for his indelible contribution to the Caribbean community.
His outstanding talents were shared to thousands during his more than 40 years, becoming a powerful inspiration in the Caribbean community, that he joined every Caribbean Carnival weekend to celebrate, and was a permanent fixture at Gracie Mansion for the festival’s reception.
He was vice chair of Community Board 9, and was an elected delegate, to the White House Conference on Small Business.
Thousands of residents will benefit from his soon to be completed project — 255 units of affordable housing on Caton Avenue, Brooklyn where the headquarters of the Caribbean Trade and Cultural Center, and Caton Market will be housed in 2021.
Dr. Hastick was named an Ambassador of Brooklyn by Borough President Eric A. Adams one of many accolades, that this former social worker, community advocate, entrepreneur, newspaper publisher and radio and television announcer, cherished in ways that made him a dynamic force to reckoned with, someone who has left a lasting legacy to benefit all.
Rest in precious peace, Dr. Roy A. Hastick, we will miss you dearly.
