The race is on to aid Haitians suffering in the aftermath of the flooding rains and intense winds of tropical storm Fay and Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike - all striking the Caribbean nation in recent weeks.
Last week, the United Nations made a desperate international appeal to get more than $100 million to fund humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti. While here in the city, Brooklyn Councilmember Mathieu Eugene and New York-based organizations such as musician Wyclef Jean’s Y/le Haiti Foundation and the Batey Relief Alliance are pitching in.
In its plea for $108 million to support recovery and relief efforts over the next six months, UN officials reported that hundreds perished and 800,000 people are in need of emergency assistance. Especially in the southern and southeastern portions of the island, the four storms flooded agricultural areas and ruined much-needed crops.
Prime Minister Thomas in town
Tillman Thomas, the newly elected prime minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, came to New York on Wednesday, September 17 with a high-level delegation to update Grenadian nationals on his development plans.
Thomas plans to address a town hall meeting at Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Ave. in Brooklyn, next Sunday, September 21 beginning at 5 p.m. And during his visit, the prime minister will be conferring with New York community, business and government officials to discuss setting up cooperative projects with Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
The prime minister will attend a breakfast meeting with the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and be special guest at a black-tie NDC gala on Friday, September 19 at the Astoria World Manor in Queens. For information on Thomas’ visit, call Estella Charles at 917-623 6882 or Leslie McQueen at 203-984-8738.
Thinking about the food business?
The Queens Economic Development Corporation’s (QEDC) Caribbean Business Community initiative continues Thursday, September 18 with the spotlight on “Food Entrepreneurs,” a session about starting a successful food business.
Experts will discuss the topic at the Artisan Baking Center, located at the CWE/Central Labor Council Training Center, 36-46 37th Street in Long Island City, Queens, from 5 to 8 p.m. Call Michelle Stoddart of the QEDC at 718-263-0546 for information, or visit their Web site: www.discoverqueens.info.
Networking in Cambria Heights
The Caribbean Business Network, a professional network for Caribbean business owners, is holding “Network and Launch” party on Friday, September 19 in Queens at the Community Bridge Home, 120-50 Springfield Blvd. in Cambria Heights, from 8 p.m. to midnight. There are still slots open for performers and sponsors willing to take part in the event.
Call Caribbean Business Network’s CEO Neva Alexander at 718-207-0635, or send e-mails to admin@thecaribbeanbusinessnetwork.com or visit the group’s web site: www.thecaribbeanbusinessnetwork.com.
Flag art on display
The panel discussion “Haitian Realities in D.R., Haiti, and U.S.” and a reception for an exhibit of sacred Vodou flags will be held this week at the Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center/African Diaspora Institute in Manhattan.
The free panel discussion features Jose Figueroa and Ivan Andino of Haitian/Dominican musical ensemble Grupo Kalunga Neg Mawon, human rights filmmaker Dennis Flores, members of the Luz del Batey Video project, and Ninaj Raoul of Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, and will be held Thursday, September 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“You Drapo Vodou, You Lwa, You Seremoni! (One Vodou Flag, One Spirit, One Ceremony!),” an exhibit of sacred Vodou flags, will take place Friday, September 19. Intricate works of art, the colorful Vodou flags have a significant role in the religion, reflecting influence of Catholicism and African religious beliefs. The exhibit features flags created by artists Mireille Delice and Pierre-Fougere Cherisme.
The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. at the center, at 408 West 58th Street (between Ninth and Tenth Avenues). To R.S.V.P. for the reception and get information about the panel discussion, e-mail Monthina Williams at mwilliams@cccadi.org or call 212-307-7420, Ext. 3006. The show runs through September 26.
This column is reprinted from the September 7 Sunday editions of The New York Daily News. If you have any items suitable for this column please e-mail them to jmccallister@nydailynews.com.
