Overseas-based Guyanese Dimple Willabus is poised to make history as she enters the race for New York City Council in District 46 (Southern Brooklyn) in the eagerly anticipated elections set for June 24 this year. District 46 covers Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay, and Flatlands.

Dimple, who also ran for the first time in 2021, felt that the COVID-19 pandemic played a major part in her previous campaign, which saw about nine to eleven candidates competing.

However, Dimple feels that this time around, she is a more viable candidate with the deck stacked in her favour, as many local leaders are supporting her candidacy.

Touching on her platform, Dimple places public safety high on her priority list, pointing out that, unfortunately, New York has become a city that’s “soft” on crime. “When you have millions of people traversing daily, it’s imperative to ensure that they are safe. Commuters don’t feel comfortable travelling on the bus and subways because the city council changed many of the laws, giving way for a lot of crimes. We have to review many of the legislations and tighten up to reinstate the confidence and trust of the public.”

Dimple also believes that providing a comprehensive education system from early childhood to high school and funding programmes that yield results are essential.

“While I am cognisant that not every child is great at school and some may not graduate, we still have to explore every possible aspect of educating our children and preparing them for success.

“Therefore, we need to provide technical skills programmes or trade school opportunities for dropouts. Additionally, the introduction of effective environmental programmes for all ages, language and life skills training (understanding banking, saving money, spending, etc.), civic engagement, and more.”

Dimple also opined that, “Our veterans should always be well taken care of, and it’s important to provide the necessary care and services that will ensure their lives are better. Our veterans should also be included in the various discussions regarding what is best for them. While there are some programmes available throughout NYC, our district can do more to engage veterans.”

Well-known for advocating for youth, and women, and against injustices, Dimple is no stranger to the public sphere. Despite migrating to Brooklyn, New York, over 20 years ago, she has maintained her connection to Guyana. During a family visit in 2013, her younger daughter, Anaya, was so inspired that she wrote her first book. Anaya went on to write three more books over the years. She also represented Guyana’s Lady Jaguars Junior National Football team as a striker/midfielder.

According to Dimple, when she migrated to the USA, she wanted to further her education. “Most women, after having children, do not get to finish college, and for me, this was one of my personal goals. I wanted to earn my master’s degree. It was very challenging at that time since our family was still growing.

“At one point, I was juggling going to college, running my small business, and taking care of my motherly and wifely duties. When I graduated with my master’s degree, it was a major accomplishment for many reasons!

“Also, while in college, I had the privilege of working at WCBS. I was an Assistant Editor in the newsroom. Additionally, I had a personal blog where my articles were published.”

Dimple went on to serve as President of the Community Education Council in her district, which oversaw 36 elementary and middle schools. She could prioritise capital funds for the schools in her district. During that time, in 2017-2018, Dimple also held the title of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ Education Appointee for her district.

Thereafter, Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s office asked Dimple to serve on their Education Task Force (2018-2019). The task force members wrote legislative proposals.

“When I reflect on the path that God has led me on, it was well mapped out to give me the ability to learn and grow and to be a better leader who can effectively advocate for my community.”

Prior to migrating, she was known to Guyanese as Dimple Singh from the popular TV show Rhythm Nation on HBTV. Rhythm Nation was the first Hip-Hop & R&B TV show in Guyana. The show aired five days a week and was broadcast live in the 1990s for almost 10 years. Dimple recalled that Rhythm Nation became very popular, mostly among the youth. In fact, some of Guyana’s local singers credit Dimple for giving them an opportunity to be featured on the show, which springboarded their careers.

Dimple also disclosed that the show was a platform where music videos were shown and each show had a specific topic and guests. “Most of the guests were entertainers who visited Guyana to perform or local artistes. Within the first year, with the show’s popularity, many local businesses began advertising with Rhythm Nation, which increased its viewership and demand.”

Dimple credits her parents for her success as a teenage entrepreneur. “My dad, Phagu, was from a business family, and he taught my siblings and me about the importance of financial independence, money management, and to never chase money. He said, ‘Money will chase you when you work hard and do the right things.’ He was born and raised in Albouystown, and after my parents got married, they moved to Lodge, where we were born and raised. My mother, Gloria, hailed from Parika and was credited with being a great cook and very active in the community and the parent-teachers association.”

Dimple recalled that she was always very active at D’Urban Street Primary School, where she modelled, played sports, and was involved in debates, poetry competitions, and other activities.

“When I started high school at St Joseph, I was blown away by the wealth of opportunities and resources the school had compared to my community in Lodge. I was grateful to expand my knowledge and grow!”

Dimple went on to win the Miss St Joseph High School Beauty Pageant in 1990. She was also a track athlete (sprinter) and the captain of the volleyball team. After winning the Miss St Joseph High School Beauty Pageant, Dimple received many offers to participate in other beauty pageants, TV commercials, and job opportunities.

Apart from Anaya, Dimple’s other two children are Chantelle, who is a school teacher, and Brandon, who is in high school. Dimple is married to Winston Willabus, a US Marine veteran and NYPD lieutenant, who also has Guyanese roots from both Berbice and Linden.