I ALWAYS enjoy June in the US because the weather is nice and it is Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebration.

There are many events in different cities and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) usually hosts a week of events in New York. Over the years, I keep looking for something transformational from the CTO but it is the same old same old. I was planning to attend RUM & RHYTHM which is one of the CTO’s events but it was clashing with my book event in New Jersey. I actually make an extra special effort to view TV to observe how much attention is given to these celebrations but there is not much and I am sure radio is not much different.

So far, I thoroughly enjoyed two events: the Caribbean Business Connection’s (CBC) Sixth Anniversary featuring a competition for Caribbean Chefs. It was a great networking event and I am thinking about becoming a member. The food was so delicious which tempted me to sample so many dishes. I am not a rice lover but that black rice from Haiti had me real bad and I had repeats (not good lol). Of course, the Jamaican chef who was the first runner-up featured jerk chicken and ackee and salted fish. Doris Rodney who owns the Hills Restaurant and is Guyanese emerged as the champion.

The judges were impressed with her meal that was beautifully presented. When last you had plantain foo foo? She worked magic in the “mata” and it reminded me of my gramma Winnie back in the days. The stewed snapper was the perfect combination according to the judges. I was ecstatic when her name and country were announced and it showed from my reaction. No matter where we are, we should celebrate Guyana every chance we get. Watching my friend standing there displaying the Golden Arrowhead was a pleasant sight and proud moment.

The Economic Power Brunch was hosted by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) in collaboration with the Brooklyn Borough President, Hon. Eric Adams. I attended this event three years ago and was very impressed with the work by Dr. Roy Hastick and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It was very flattering when Dr. Eda Harris-Hastick remembered my name, where I am from and profession. She was elated to hear about my four books and had some encouraging words for me. Mrs Hastick is a Professor and Programme Director at the Medgar Evers College in New York. She is the wife of Dr Roy Hastick and one of the executives of CACCI.

Hon. Eric Adams had a very empowering speech and he encouraged Caribbean people that unity is more important now than ever. Let the 42 million of Caribbean people leave a strong legacy. A number of Caribbean American Icons and of course a few Guyanese were in the lineup. We have such a strong presence in the Caribbean community and I have no doubt it will get stronger.

I had a chance to catch up with Consul General of Barbados, Hon. Donna Hunt Cox. We became friends when I lived in Barbados and she is an inspirational woman. I was sitting next to another woman that has impacted my life, Patricia Langford Jordan. She is such a pioneer in many initiatives, including lobbying for the Caribbean Month celebrations years ago.

I don’t think we realise how special we are as Caribbean people, and until we do we will not value our significant contributions and demand what is due to us.
Looking forward to enjoying the rest of the celebration as we continue to celebrate this journey we call life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.