On Saturday, May 18th community leaders and elected officials came together at Bissel Garden Park to memorialize the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic from which the community suffered disproportionately in the way of victims the effort was spearheaded by Mrs. Sadie Campbell president of the Jamaica Progressive League and state Senator Jamaal T Bailey. Mr. Bailey was joined by many of his colleagues Speaker Carl Heastie, and Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Council Member Kevin Riley then Council Member Eric Dinowitz also supporting the effort was the Jamaica Benevolent Cultural Center and several local business persons.
Mrs. Campbell remarked that during the pandemic years, people were unable to grieve their loved ones, there was no place for people to gather to mourn those departed.
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Guests were invited to bring photos of their departed family members and loved ones to serve as a fitting remembrance Senator Bailey spoke of his own loss of a mother-in-law and how painful it was, he urged the community to come together and stay together and he pledged to focus on the health and well-being of the community Congressman Bowman of the 16th Congressional District also spoke about the personal loss he suffered during the COVID pandemic and pledged his effort to continue to fight for justice on all levels including health care for all people of the community.
Council Member Kevin Riley pledged to continue his support to bring the best health care to the community and to support the efforts of local organizations Council Member Eric Dinowitz spoke of his record of bringing resources to the community and pledged to continue particularly when it comes to the health of the community Carl Rodney President Emeritus of the Jamaica progressive league and Publisher of Carib News spoke of the history of the league’s work with elected officials for the well-being of the community and how effective this has been and urged a continuation of this meaningful collaboration.
The event was sponsored by Anthem Health, McCalls Funeral Home, Granby Funeral Home, and several local businesses the reception for the community was held right after the dedication ceremony the community members were pleased with their effort over the years to bring recognition to the suffering of the community due to the COVID pandemic and that it was finally recognized and memorialized.
