Senator Kevin Parker, who declared his candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on Aug. 23, 2022, to continue his service in the 21st Senate District, that encompasses the diverse communities of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace and Park Slope, in Brooklyn, on Friday 13, congratulated vendors of the new Central Brooklyn Marketplace, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Caton Flats.
The politician, who spoke to Caribbean Life, while patronizing Jamaican-born vendor, Patrick Burrell, of Zeby’s Printing, said he was pleased to be at the opening of the economic development, in the new 14-story building, that houses the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCAI).
He added that it is a culmination of twenty years of work by late Dr. Roy A. Hastick, founder of CACCAI, whose vision it was to realize the development, where Patrick Burrell, a former vendor of the old Caton Market now produces portraits on wooden frames, plates, buttons, tee shirts, necklaces, and sells all other personalized items.
“We certainly honor Dr. Hastick’s memory by making sure that networking works and making sure economic development in our community is really a viable part of what we do, not just occasionally, but daily,” he said.
Serving as an intern in Dr. Hastick’s office back in 1992, and as a special assistant to former New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, where he managed intergovernmental relations in New York City, as well as the liaison between the comptroller, city, state, and federal elected officials, Sen. Parker is proud of the partnership he shared with the Grenadian-born unifier to bring Caton Flats to fruition.
“I am looking at all the great things that are here and want to encourage people to make this place their home. Come to the new Caton market and shop. Make this one of the first places they go to when they need things out of our community,” said Sen. Parker, a 31-year resident of Flatbush, and a former aide to then New York City Councilmember, Dr. Una Clarke, and special assistant to Assemblyman Nick Perry.
He is the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, Majority Whip and first vice chair of the Association of Black, Puerto Rican and Asian legislators.
Committed to restoring the overall quality of life for the constituents of the 21st Senate District, where he has served for more than 17 years, the politician is ramping up his campaigning, to continue his indelible work.
