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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Close
to three hundred people including Caribbean nationals, representatives
of the
diplomatic corps, the private sector and government
representatives celebrated Caribbean Heritage at the Organization of
American States (OAS) with Secretary General José Miguel Insulza and
Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin on Thursday evening.
The Caribbean Heritage event is in keeping with a proclamation
by the President of the United States and the US Congress, recognizing
the contribution of Caribbean people to the United States.
Addressing the event which took place in the Hall of the
Americas, feature speaker Dr Una Clarke recounted her story and
struggles as an immigrant who made history becoming the first Caribbean
woman to be elected to the New York City Council. “Caribbean people
haven’t asked for handouts, we have asked for opportunity. When
opportunity is provided, we turn around and create more opportunity for
others. We understand struggle, and we earn respect,” said Dr Clarke.
During the event Secretary General Insulza was presented with a
surprise Caribbean Heritage honor, for his commitment to the region and
its people. “Caribbean countries have added significant value to this
Organization,” said Insulza adding, “my commitment and support for the
Caribbean and its people remains strong.”
Among the feature presentations of the evening was the launch of
the latest project by Jamaican sociologist, cultural heritage
specialist and author Margaret Bernal, a book titled “Caribbean
Reliquaries” a recollection of Caribbean heritage, which has received
widespread acclaim in the Caribbean Diaspora.
Caribbean folk performances, exhibits from Caribbean member
states, presentations from the Columbus Memorial Library, a collection
of Caribbean art including a tapestry detailing Caribbean Heritage from
artist Lorna Ramlochansingh, were also part of the evening, while two
international Caribbean staff, Serge Bellegarde and Beverly Wharton-Lake
were recognized for their commitment to the OAS for 41 and 30 years of
employment respectively.
According to OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, who
worked with Caribbean interests to organize and host the evening in
Washington, DC, “the Caribbean is an undeniable presence at the OAS, and
tonight we celebrate the achievements of Caribbean people in our
institution, in this country, and in the Hemisphere as a whole.”
The Caribbean Heritage event at the OAS was fully sponsored by
the corporate Caribbean, through Premium Sponsor Red Stripe Jamaica.
Additional support was provided by the Jamaican National Building
Society and individual partners.
For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org
© Copyright 2013 by thebahamasweekly.com
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