 And I'd just like to pause to recognize the presence of the Mayor of New York City, Mayor, welcome. Alright, as Caribbean people we cannot proceed without prayer, so I'm going to invite Pastor Louis Stryker from Reflections Church to do a quick invocation for us. Let us pray. Great God, our Father. It is with great awe and reverence we call upon your name today, asking your divine presence to tabernacle with us in this place. We declare Bowling Green Park as holy ground, acknowledging that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. And that your word says where two or three come in your name, you promise to be in the midst. We have exceeded that number this afternoon, and we welcome your presence. We assemble here today in this great city of New York to honor Carycom, the Carycom community, by raising its flags to the heavens. It is raised with the acknowledgment that it only exists by the power of your grace. We ask blessings upon its member states. Bless the leadership, O God. Grant them wisdom, guidance, and greatness of vision, that they would continue to do what is just and equitable for the 16 million people under its jurisdiction. Just as we are reminded in the symbolic design of its flag, let your sun shine beautifully on these nations as a sign of your divine favor. Keep them free from natural disasters and economic woes, and as the seas that interlock as they are symbolically interlocked, keep them forever, God, in unity and togetherness with one heart, one soul, and one mind. Bless this ceremony. We are grateful to this great city of New York under the leadership of your man servant, the Honorable Mayor Eric Adams. We pray blessings upon him and this city today, and we ask God that you would bless and show your power and your divine glory in this place. We ask these mercies with respect to every fake tradition present. I ask this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and everyone that believes that amen and amen. Thank you, Pastor Stryker. All right. So before we proceed and to hear some comments from the Honorable Kenneth Bryan, I'd like to invite to the podium Ms. Lamona Warrell who is going to say a few words and then we proceed. Ms. Warrell. Hello everyone. Thank you for the invitation. I just want to say welcome, everyone. I'm not going to say much because my boss is here, Mayor Adams, so I'm going to leave it to him to speak. Thank you. So we have in our presence this afternoon the Minister of Tourism from the Cayman Islands and he's also the chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. I'd like to now invite to the podium the Honorable Kenneth Bryan who will deliver remarks. Good afternoon, everyone. With protocol already having been observed, I would like to recognize the Honorable Mayor of New York City, Mr. Eric Adam, Ministers, Commissioners, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It is indeed my honor and my privilege to deliver these remarks in my capacity as the Chairman of the Caribbean Organization. As the Caribbean national myself, I'm proud to participate in the raising of the Karakum flag, commemorating 50 years of the most notable community of Caribbean states. The Karakum flag is a visual representation of an integration and an integrated movement that symbolizes so many things. It characterizes the unity and the strength that exists across the Caribbean region. It's an emblem of partnership and cooperation, achievement, and resilience. And like the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Karakum is an association of members, states dedicated to facilitating the growth and the economic development of the Caribbean that are spoiled. Today, through these celebrations, I'm honored to pay tribute to Karakum's sterling accomplishments as a model of regional integration. I am pleased to recognize the great strides that have been made throughout collaboration and cooperation in areas that continue to impact millions of lives, such as education, health care, agriculture, security, and disaster management. I'm proud to acknowledge the foresight and the tenacity of the Caribbean leaders that led to the creation of notable regional institutions such as the Caribbean Development Bank, also the Caribbean Public Health Agency, better known as CARFA, upon which our region relied so heavily during the height of the COVID pandemic, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, better known as SEDEMO, who remain ready to spring into action at any moment's notice when disaster strikes. This community of Caribbean states represents the unwavering spirit of the Caribbean people. It is therefore fitting that this historic occasion is being held in conjunction with the observance of Caribbean American Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and the achievements of our brothers and sisters of Caribbean origins, who call the United States of America home. For hundreds of years, Caribbean nationals have traveled to America in pursuit of the American dream. Our presence here today is helping to shine a spotlight on the positive influence that the Caribbean culture has had on the American society and vice versa, and the contributions that have been made within government, businesses, journalism, music, sports, the arts, and many, many other fields and professions. As we reflect on the countless ways that the Caribbean Americans have and will continue to contribute to the ways of life of this great nation called America, let us always be mindful that the ties between the United States and the Caribbean is underpinned by a spirit of friendship, and that the recognition that we each share a stake in each other's success. And let us not forget that the Caribbean region has been a favorite vacation spot and a home away from home for many Americans seeking to enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of places like the Cayman Islands. Across the Caribbean region, our doors are always open, and we look forward to welcoming you for years to come. In closing, I congratulate Caracom on its 50th anniversary, and thank Mayor Adam for hosting this historic occasion here in New York City. To my brothers and sisters from the Caribbean, I wish you all a very memorable Caribbean American Heritage Month. And remember to be proud of your heritage, share your stories, and let us continue to build a deeper and a stronger relationship with this great nation called America. Thank you. Thank you, Minister Bryan. And it's a good thing that the Caribbean Sea is not only limited to the Cayman Islands, so we can get the crystal waters in Jamaica, and then I know Barbados is going to say the same thing, and so it's a good thing we are all one Caribbean people. All right, so before I proceed, I'd like to recognize the presence of Assemblyman Bryan Conningham, proud Jamaican, yeah. All right, and I would like to know, invite Ms. Camille Joseph Varlak, the chief of staff to the mayor, to the podium. But before she comes, I'd just like to ask Minister, I'm going to have to stand again, but to join us here and also Minister Prasad, if you could join us up here, and CG Holder, if you could join us here. So now turn over to Ms. Varlak. Good afternoon, and thank you for having me here today. My name is Camille Joseph Varlak, and I am chief of staff to the mayor. This moment is particularly meaningful because it underscores the collaboration between the United States, New York City, and the CARICOM member and associate member states. I'm proud today to be representing the great people of Trinidad and Tobago at today's flag raising, celebrating Caribbean heritage month. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, the granddaughter of a Baptist minister and a midwife. Like many immigrants, my mother and I immigrated to the United States so that she could pursue her dreams and give her children opportunities. Her tireless work ethic shows the characteristics of the people that make up our community. I know there are many different countries and islands across the Caribbean represented here today, but despite all of our differences, there are two things that everybody knows is true about the Caribbean. One clearly we have the best food, whether it's curry, fry, or jerk, everyone knows that the Caribbean knows how to cook. The Caribbean people know the value of hard work. Our work ethic is a defining part of our character, driving us to do good by doing good. I am proud that at the top of this administration, we have Caribbean representation, including Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. It is why millions and millions of immigrants have come to our nation and specifically to New York City in search of a better life and turn their dreams into a reality. I am proud to work in an administration as an immigrant and I want the people here to know that you will always have a voice and representation in this administration. Now, I am pleased to introduce a leader who, while not a trinny, has been a friend and ally to our community, the 110th Mayor of New York City, Mayor Eric Adams. Thank you. Thank you so much, Camille. One of the most challenging and difficult days of my life is after growing up and Jamaica Queens, I was told it did not make me a Jamaican. I think both Camille and the speakers really personified the real spirit of the Caribbean experience here in not only New York but in America. When you look at the presence, we know that New York City currently has the largest population of our Caribbean communities across the board. And when you examine not only my administration, we're mentioning, like my first, the first woman of color to be a first deputy mayor, second woman of color, Trinidadian background to be the chief of staff, the first was under David Dinkins, the first chief advisor with Panamanian ancestry. When you look at the reflection of that, even my deputy mayor of human services, Deputy Mayor Williams Isam from Trinidad as well, when you do an examination of the heads of my agencies, you see the Caribbean experience. And it's not because we're trying to check the box, it's because we clearly identified a unique characteristics that I believe personifies the Caribbean experience as the deputy mayor stated, as the chief of staff stated, working hard, willing to go beyond the call. If it means having a full-time job and then going to school at night. If it means leaving family members at home to buy properties so you can continue to invest in that property. If it means understanding that you want to start in one level or maybe washing the dishes then eventually own a chain of restaurants. If it means just exploring the true understanding of what it means to be part of the American dream, you don't have to abandon your ancestry of your homeland as you adopt your homeland here called America. You personify that every day. The more than that, what I really admire about my Caribbean diaspora is your belief in faith, your belief in God, your belief in the power of prayer. You believe that we don't overcome anything if we don't have our lives rooted in faith. And that is something that is shown throughout the Caribbean diaspora. And so we're seeing for the first time a mayor is rising the flag of Caracom here in Bowling Green. It is a signal. What we must do is not only substantive like who we have in government, but the symbolic motions also says a lot. By raising the flag here today, we are saying we see you. We acknowledge your presence. We acknowledge your contribution to the city and your country. We acknowledge all that you have offered not only during COVID, where many people were able to social distance and to remotely work. We know you and the nurses, associations and nurses who are all over this country came from Caribbean diaspora countries in different countries. Place their lives on the line to make sure other New Yorkers were able to be able to survive the devastation of COVID. We also know your presence in classroom as you deal with the educational opportunities of our children. We know the men and women who wear bulletproof vests and protect the children and families of our city and our law enforcement community, ACS, Department of Sanitation. You show me the agency and I'll show you the presence of the Caribbean community. You are the backbone of this city. You respect and love this city. You believe in family, small businesses, and you believe in public safety and justice. Those combined efforts are why we're here today to raise the flag. 50 years later, 1973, we were living in a different city, in a different country. You were sure to be part of the evolution of this city and this country. New York City is not coming back. New York City is back because we have a rich, cultural mixture of people from across the globe that finds this city as a place to raise healthy children and families. I'm happy to be the 110th mayor, but also happy to be the second African-American mayor. Because in our veins and in our DNA are those who came from the continent of Africa. We left maybe in slavery, but we returned with demerit. All of us have rose up to the occasion of our African ancestry and spirit. And as the council generals, the ministers, the heads, the heads of hospitals, the doctors, all of us are true testaments of how we are resilient and how when we come together in a unified way we can accomplish whatever we want. So all in they say is that don't realize how powerful we are at this moment. This administration is saying to you, we are you and you are us. And this flag raising today is our symbol that is matching the substance that we are doing. I'm proud to be here. Cara Khan, thank you for what you have done. We'll do and continue to do. So we want to give this proclamation here at today's ceremony in Manhattan, historic Bowling Green Park. Caribbean New Yorkers will commemorate Cara Khan's golden anniversary by raising this distinct flag which features the colors yellow, green, and blue to represent the sun, vegetation, and the Caribbean Sea, as well as two interlocking seas in the form of broken links in a chain signifying unity as well as the region's break from its colonial past. I applaud the Cara Khan Councilor Corps in New York for its efforts to strengthen the enduring bonds between the Caribbean and our global city and uplift members of the Caribbean diaspora in the five boroughs. I look forward to the many ways our vital Caribbean community will continue to make a positive difference as we take bold steps to get stuff done and forge a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future for all. And we're going to do that through our Caribbean advisory board that has been run by the amazing Lamona Knight and all that she's doing. We will make sure that she does not just focus on Barbados. You know, we know how you the grimoire diaspora fails, but your voice means a lot. Congratulations to an amazing, amazing group of New Yorkers and Americans. Thank you. Before the flags are raised, may I ask the council generals and the staff of the various councilors to come and take your positions here. Thank you so much for those two pieces. So Anisha Ali to give the vote of thanks. I just like to record the fifth base advisor to Mayor Adams. And I believe there's also a representative from Congresswoman Yvette Clark's office here as well. So, um, council Ali, over to you. All protocols observed. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Every special moment ends, and this occasion is no exception. But before we go, I, on behalf of the Carcom Consulate Corp, would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the Honorable Vindia Pasad, Minister of Human Services and Social Security of Guyana. The Honorable Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism, Cayman Islands and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The Honorable Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams. Ambassador Michelle Anderson-DeSalle, Carcom Goodwill Ambassador, Consulate General, members of the diplomatic corps, staff of the Carcom Consulate Corps, staff of the Mayor's Office attending this historic event celebrating Carcom at 50. Your support is most welcome. I would also like to express our gratitude to Arthur Piccolo. I hope I get that surname correct. The Chairman of the Bowling Green Association for graciously facilitating this ceremony. The Carcom Consulate Corps subcommittee for organizing this momentous event and its continual extension of the Caricum spirit. I wish to thank all of the performers for bringing this Caribbean energy into the mix. Our Master of Ceremony and of course, you, our wider audience. Thank you. We appreciate your contribution. As you know, we're celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month and so going forward we hope to see an increase in support at the planned activities and we pray that Carcom continue to grow stronger and continue to bring benefits for all the people of the region. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, once again, I want to say that we are most grateful to everyone for your presence this afternoon. It is a great pleasure as we celebrate Caricum at 50. Thank you and good afternoon. So that there's not much left for me to do. However, for those of you who are here, you are invited to join us at 125 Made in Lane for some training run. So if you took the time off from work and you