Caribbean-Americans can be recognized by their commitment to faith, to family, to industry and to law. And their love for the arts, for music, for dance and for life itself has enriched all of our lives immeasurably. The six honorees who will be recognized during the event have added to the ever growing lists of successes of Caribbean Americans. Each has exhibited their unwavering commitment to the welfare of their community. The honorees are: Colvin Grannum, President of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza; Cynthia Brown Franklin, community liaison to the Panama connection of Janes United Methodist Church; Rawlston Charles, owner of Charlie Records Store; Reverend Terry Lee, Senior Pastor of By Ways and Hedges Ministry; Guyanese Nurses Association of America; and Melvin Myers of Success Catering.

I want to take this opportunity to express my commitment to the Caribbean residents of Brooklyn to keep Brooklyn safe. I have implemented numerous programs that help keep our youth out of trouble and offer adults a second chance. All of my programs are public safety initiatives and I encourage everyone to take advantage of them.