Caribbean Corner

The laughter of children and the joy of the holiday season filled Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) last December as the casino partnered with the NYPD to host a Christmas event that brightened the lives of more than 110 children and their families. The collaboration, spearheaded by Michelle Stoddart, senior vice president of Community Development and Public Affairs for Resort World NYC, and Chief Kevin Williams, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens South, marked the first of its kind between the two organizations. Families of police officers from all eight precincts under Chief Williams’ jurisdiction gathered for a day of celebration, kindness, and connection. [caption id="attachment_69661" align="aligncenter" width="700"] More than 100 toys were displayed and distributed to children during the festive event. Photo by Tracey Khan [/caption] “We wanted the families to feel truly appreciated during the holidays. From gifts to food and ent...

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Dec. 26 announced that, on Jan. 9, 2025, noon, he will deliver his fourth mayoral State of the City Address at The Apollo in Harlem, where he will discuss his administration's achievements over the past three years, the current state of the city, and how the Adams administration will continue to make New York City even safer and more affordable for working-class families. “Whether it's taking thousands of illegal guns off our streets, shattering affordable housing records over and over again, or putting billions of dollars back into the pockets of New Yorkers, our administration has fought every day to create a safer, more affordable city for working-class New Yorkers,” Adams said. “Thanks to our efforts, New York City is not only back; we are better than ever," he added. “But as we look to the future, we know there is even more we can do to uplift working-class families across the five boroughs, protect our streets and subways, ta...

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 20 granted clemency to 22 individuals, including 21 pardons and one commutation. Hochul said this action “recognizes individuals demonstrating remorse, exemplifying rehabilitation and displaying a commitment to improving themselves and their communities.” After implementing procedural reforms to strengthen the clemency process, the governor has made a total of 94 grants of clemency during her time in office. “Upon taking office, I implemented a series of reforms to bring additional transparency and accountability to the clemency process,” Hochul said. “I will continue working with law enforcement, victims’ rights groups, prosecutors, reform advocates and all stakeholders to ensure this process is operationalized responsibly.” The Governor's Office said it has taken a number of steps to improve transparency and communication in the clemency process. Hochul said the Executive Clemency Bureau has implemented a new policy of sending regular le...

Caribbean-American legislators have been extending holiday greetings to their respective constituents – whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. “As we come to the close of another year, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season,” said Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 43 rd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply taking time to reflect and rest, the holidays are a wonderful opportunity to come together, share love, and cherish the bonds that unite us as a community. “In the spirit of the season, let us continue to embody kindness, generosity, and hope as we look ahead to the new year,” he added. “I am deeply grateful for the privilege of representing such a vibrant and diverse district, and I remain committed to serving you with dedication and care. “From my family to yours, happy holidays and best wishes for ...

New York City Mayor Eric Adams last Wednesday announced the appointment of Jessica Tisch as commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), effective Monday, Nov. 25. Tisch is the second female to serve as commissioner of the NYPD in its 179-year history; the first, Commissioner Keechant Sewell, was also appointed by Mayor Adams. Tisch — a 12-year veteran of the NYPD and the current commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — will take the helm of the nation’s largest police department as overall crime continues to drop across the five boroughs for the 10th straight month, as of October 2024. As DSNY commissioner, Adams said Tisch has led the successful execution of his administration’s “Trash Revolution,” which has containerized 70 percent of the 44 million pounds of trash that New Yorkers set out on the curbs each day. “The people of this city have been clear that they agree with what our administration has been fighting for since day...

Bronxites lined up Saturday in Soundview to fill their grocery carts with turkeys, Halal chickens, and canned and fresh produce at a holiday food distribution event hosted by the nonprofit Caribbean Equality Project and City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias. Caribbean Equality Project , a community organization that supports and advocates for LGBTQ+ Caribbean immigrants in NYC, has hosted the event with Farias for four years. Over 140 volunteers filled the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community Center, where they unpacked and distributed 600 turkeys and 200 Halal chickens. They also offered resources and information to Bronxites who waited in line for hours in the chilly weather. Council Member Amanda Farias greeted and helped a Bronx resident collect a turkey. Credit: Sadie Brown Council Member Farias greeted community members and handed out either a turkey or a halal chicken to each household. She said events like these are not just about providing a Thanksgiving meal, they’re abo...

Following a two-alarm forest fire in Prospect Park Friday night and continued wildfires in New Jersey on Saturday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday took additional measures to mitigate increased fire risk amidst a historic streak of dry weather in New York City and in the counties upstate that host New York City’s water reservoirs. Effective Saturday, Adams said grilling will be banned in New York City parks while the city remains in drought conditions, while smoking and other sources of open flame remain illegal throughout the parks system. “As New York City’s historic streak of dry weather creates new safety risks, today, we are taking additional measures to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Adams. “Effective immediately, we are prohibiting grilling in our parks, and we need all New Yorkers to take commonsense steps to prevent brush fires. “Getting through this drought will take all of us working together, and every drop counts, so let’s keep doing our part to save as...

Unicare Adult Daycare celebrated the grand opening of its new location at Starlight Pavilion, 130-05 101 Ave, South Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, on Oct. 29. The event brought together community leaders, seniors, and staff to commemorate this significant milestone for the senior care facility. Susan Almodovar and her husband and two sons attended the opening event. Photo by Tracey Khan Owner Susan Almodovar shared heartfelt remarks during the ceremony, expressing gratitude to all who supported her journey. “This has been a dream, and I am so proud and happy to have every one of you here today,” Almodovar said. “My seniors are my life. They make me happy every day, and their love is something money can’t buy.” She spoke emotionally about the personal bond she shares with her clients, highlighting the daily joy she receives from the hugs and affection of the seniors. “I feel blessed to have my seniors with me to celebrate this day,” she added, ...

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James on Monday provided an update on nonpartisan efforts to protect voting rights and public safety across New York State during the 2024 elections. Hochul said those efforts include statewide, multi-agency resources to combat misinformation and respond to any impediments to voting. “As New Yorkers cast their ballots, we are taking every measure necessary to ensure the sanctity of the democratic process so that everyone can have their voice heard,” Gov. Hochul said. “In partnership with Attorney General James and law enforcement across the state, we have established tools and protections to secure the right of all citizens to participate in this election — and we will always stand up to defend those rights against those who threaten them.” James said, “New York has a long history of free and fair elections, and this year is no different. My office has been preparing for months for a safe and smooth election process, and we will conti...

The annual Power Women of the Bronx event on Thursday, Oct. 23 will honor influential trailblazers from various industries who will be recognized for their impact on business, community and leadership. When women support women, amazing things happen. “Bringing together an inspirational group of women with diverse backgrounds and powerful stories is what the Schneps ultimate networking events are all about,” said Elizabeth Schneps Aloni, SVP Events, Schneps Media. 2023 Power Women of the Bronx Credit: Corazon Aguirre Schneps Media, publishers of the Bronx Times, amnyMetro, Caribbean Life and Noticia, is proud to bring together the most extraordinary women to connect, support one another, do business and build community. This year marks 30 years of honoring Power Women across the NY area so the celebration will include special designations of past Power Women as ICONs, new Power Women will be named and women on an upward trajectory in their careers will be honored as Power Women RISI...

As the US Presidential Elections draw closer and after the New York State Court of Appeals affirmed the constitutionality of the New York Early Mail Voter Act, New York Attorney General Letitia James has vowed to continue protecting New Yorkers’ voting rights. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) had defended from a lawsuit brought by opponents challenging the Legislature’s authority to enact mail-in voting. “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our nation, and government should make it easier for citizens to have their voices heard, not harder,” said James on Tuesday. “While some want to put up roadblocks and stifle New Yorkers’ ability to exercise their Constitutional right to vote, I will always stand up and protect this basic, yet essential, freedom. “Every election, at every level of government, is a beautiful celebration of patriotism and civic responsibility, and I encourage all New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote and to hold their public servants accountable...