It was a packed audience that enjoyed the annual Queens Book Fair Indo Caribbean Heritage event at the Richmond Hill Library last Saturday.
Since 2018, The Queens Book Fair, the brainchild of community leader Dr Dhanpaul Narine, has showcased many talented individuals in various capacities. Along with selected honorees, the audience was treated to powerful and impactful speeches, poems, tributes, an Indo-Caribbeanthemed skit, and personal experiences by many of the presenters.
The event was chaired by Attorney-At-Law, Vesna Naidoo-Chinsammy, and the honorees included NYPD Deputy Inspector Ralph Clement of the 103rd Precinct in Queens,and Mala Panday, the Principal of the Young Women’sLeadership School in Queens NY.
After a brief welcome by Dr Dhanpaul Narine, who then introduced Community Board 9 Chairman Sherry Algredoas the co-chair, the moderator Vesna Naidoo-Chinsammywelcomed everyone and gave her perspective on the importance of Indo Caribbean heritage.
The first poem was delivered by Ariana Narine, who spoke briefly about Indian migration to Trinidad and Tobago. Then, Samantha Ortiz-Fleming recited a poem on “Roots,” followed by an item by Anish Soogrim. Principal Sabrina Fleming of the NYC DOE Adult and Continuing EducationDivision spoke briefly about adult education programs,including the opportunity to take prep classes towards the GED.
A regular participant of the Book Fair series since 2018,Veena Bedasie, commented on the bravery of the ancestors to pack up and seek a better life for themselves. She also stressed the importance of the youths remembering their heritage while taking the opportunity to “be all you can be.” Her sister, Shreya Bedasie, delivered her ownpowerful poem about roots, ethnicity, and nationality, as well as the common question faced by youths today:“Where are you from originally?”
Next, Lionel recited one of Dr Dhanpaul’s poem, called “The Kiskadee Sings,” followed by Amit, who recited a poem called “Earthen Fireside.” Presenter TejpaulSookanand summarized the former Suriname President Chan Santokhi’s life, followed by Lolita Singh, who recited another one of Dr Dhanpaul’s poems, called “The Castnet.”Following this item was a duet presentation by popular community performers, Radica Olarte and Ervin Appadu of RadhVin, who recited a speech themed “Bittersweet Sugar of the Heart.” Next, Arun White delivered a speech on the past president of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday. Sherry Algredo’s children, Emily and Joeseph Algredo,delivered a poem on Caribbean heritage.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of numerous proclamations and citations to the honorees, namely Ralph Clement and Mala Panday, from elected officials at the Queens Borough President, City, State and Federal levels.
In his thank you speech, Deputy Inspector Ralph Clement reflected on the internal issues of the NYC Police Department, which is underrepresented by South Asian and Indo Caribbean police leaders, and hoped the next wave of police officers can make a difference in the community in which they are assigned as they progress through the ranks.
The second honoree, Mala Panday, spoke about her journey in the NYC Department of Education to become the 1st“brown” school principal at the Young Women’s Leadership School, where the graduation and success rate to college is 100%, and there’s even a wait list to join the school.
Next, the former mayor of Schenectady, Albert Jurczynski,spoke about the migration to his city by many Indo-Caribbeans over the past 30 years, and its economic impact. Arianna Vee reflected on her young days growing up in Guyana with her family. Karissa spoke on the preservation of our ancestors’ vibrant culture. A short speech by Indo Caribbean Foundation President Ralph Tamesh followed,where he described the skit’s theme and message. Next,Community Board 28 winner Ty Henderson recited a poementitled, “They Came in Ships” by M. Das, and spoke briefly with some encouraging words for the young attendees. The final speech was presented by Rohana Chetram, who talked about the history of Indo-Caribbean people.
Attendees then enjoyed a 15-minute skit themed “The Grip,” which was presented by members of the newly formed RadhVin Stage Storm theatrical group, where three generations of an Indo-Guyanese family reflected on life in India prior to migration, settling in Guyana over the years, and today’s modern lifestyle enjoyed by Indo-Caribbean immigrants.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Moderator Vesna and lots of tasty ethnic snacks and light refreshmentsfor the attendees.
More Book Fair events are planned for later this year. Please contact Dr Dhanpaul Narine if you wish to participate as a presenter or attendee for this much needed platform in our community. Dr Dhanpaul’s contact: doclse007@aol.com or 718 848 8831.
