A campaign fundraiser in support of New York State Assemblyman David Weprin was held on Thursday evening, October 15, at Indian Royal Restaurant in Richmond Hill, bringing together Indo-Caribbean community members and supporters from other communities for an evening of political engagement and discussion. It was a campaign donation event with proceeds going to the campaign of the Assemblyman who is up for re-election. Members of NY State legislature (Assembly and Senate) must face the polls every two years. This year is also the race for Governor and all statewide offices. Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul is seeking re-election; her running mate is Adrienne Adams who had represented Little Guyana in the City Council. She was term-limited at the end of 2025 having served two terms in the Council. NY State politicians have no term limit. Indo-Caribbeans also fundraised for the Governor and her running mate and several have volunteered in the campaign. Campaign fundraisers like the one for Weprin provide candidates with an opportunity to connect with supporters and base fans to raise financial contributions to assist with campaign-related activities and to discuss plans for get out the vote drives. Indo-Caribbeans have a very low turnout rate in elections except occasionally as in the 1992 Presidential elections for Clinton, 2008 for Obama, and 2016, 2020, and 2024 when Donald trump was the candidate. Indo-Caribbeans backed Hillary in 2016, divided between Trump and Biden in 2020, and Trump and Kamala Harris in 2024.
Indo-Caribbean Americans in Queens have strong reasons to take an active interest in local politics, including candidates who can help address the needs of immigrant families, working people, small-business owners, seniors, and young people. Indo-Caribbean communities are an important part of Queens’ multicultural fabric. Local and state elected officials influence issues that affect residents every day, including public safety, transportation, schools, housing, healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure, economic opportunities, and access to government services (welfare, grants, etc.).
Indo-Caribbeans support Weprin’s re-election because he has been an outstanding representative in the Assembly for them. Weprin represents New York’s 24th Assembly District, which includes Indo-Caribbean communities in Queens like Hollis, Queens Village, parts of Jamaica, etc. His legislative work has involved issues affecting residents across the district Weprin represents areas of Queens where large numbers of Indo-Caribbean people reside.
The Richmond Hill fundraising event was hosted by community organizer Rudy Prashad and other hosts, who helped to bring together attendees from different communities in support of Weprin to help fund his campaign for re-election so he can continue his outstanding service in State Assembly. Punjabi businessmen facilitated their catering hall for the event. Prashad, a retired policeman, and the other hosts helped facilitate the evening’s gathering, reflecting the involvement of community members in organizing political events and encouraging participation in the democratic process. Also, an event of this nature offers an opportunity for dialogue between elected representatives and members of the public. The event provided an opportunity for supporters to meet with the assemblyman, discuss issues affecting residents and express their views on matters of importance to the local community.
The Assemblyman addressed the gathering speaking about his plans for Queens.
Community advocate Ashook Ramsaran endorsed the Assemblyman. He stated: “I have known Assembly Member David Weprin for over 20 years, since I moved into the Fresh Meadows neighborhood. David is a friend, neighbor, and caring legislator who is always responsive to the concerns and interests of his constituents. When he was a NYC Council Member, he supported our civic association in its efforts to downsize to R2A zoning and secure landmarking for the 1713 Brinckerhoff Dutch Colonial Cemetery. He supports the community when attacks are perpetrated against Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Jews – and is vocal in condemning such hate crimes. He supported the community’s efforts to secure the Little Guyana and Pandit Ramlall streets co-naming. He initiated the 24th Assembly District South Asian Advisory Panel (also known as the South Asian American Advisory Board) to connect local South Asian residents and leaders with government officials. He is an outstanding, experienced legislator who deserves reelection”.
Others from various communities also spoke in favor of the Assemblyman. There was a vote of thanks. Rudy Prashad expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the owners for access of the hall. He thanked everyone for coming. The fundraiser concluded an evening centered on support for Weprin’s re-election campaign. Indo Caribbean and others urged get out the vote drive. Election Day is November 3; early voting starts Oct 21.
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