Biden: Caribbean Americans are dreamers, doers and leaders
Published:Monday | June 3, 2024 | 12:09 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
United States (US) President Joe Biden has described Caribbean Americans as dreamers, doers and leaders who are always finding ways to push the US towards a more perfect union.
In a proclamation marking Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Biden said, “From the Caribbean Americans who helped build our country from the ground up to those who have only just arrived, they have all believed in the possibilities our country has to offer and strengthened the diverse fabric of our nation.”
Since 2006, June has been designated as Caribbean-American Heritage Month by presidential proclamation. The month-long observance promotes the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean-American people and their contribution to the US.
The Institute of Caribbean Studies’ (ICS) effort to establish National Caribbean-American Heritage Month began in 1999 with an outreach to President Bill Clinton, asking for the recognition of August as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This resulted in the first White House Caribbean-American Community Briefing being held at the Clinton White House in 1999. Meanwhile, a now-defunct, ad hoc group of Caribbean Americans, led by Doreen Thompson, organised efforts to get June declared as Caribbean Heritage Month in Washington, DC. ICS joined forces with the ad-hoc group in June 1999, but by 2000 the group dispersed.
Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognising June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This year marks the 18-year celebration of June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
Put their lives on the line
Pointing out that Caribbean Americans are leaders, the president said that from beloved doctors, nurses, teachers, athletes, artists, community organisers, entrepreneurs and first responders, Caribbean Americans put their lives on the line to keep the rest of the population safe.
“I am especially proud of the Caribbean Americans serving in my administration and working hard to sustain our democracy,” he said.
The president singled out Vice-President Kamala Harris, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
He said his administration recognises that to keep the torch of liberty that has led generations of immigrants to America, the country must keep ensuring that everyone has access to opportunity.
“Caribbean Americans also form the foundation of our country’s partnerships with nations across the Caribbean as we work to advance opportunity and security across the region,” he said.
The president said his administration continues to work with Caribbean countries to tackle climate change and support clean energy.
“In partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), we launched the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit to combat firearms trafficking. Last summer, my administration appointed a coordinator for Caribbean firearms prosecutions to lead our efforts to stem firearms trafficking in the Caribbean,” he said.
“Meanwhile, we have been working with CARICOM to restore stability and security in Haiti by facilitating meaningful and inclusive political dialogue and supporting the deployment of the Kenyan-led multinational security support mission. We must complement our security investments with economic support. This is why my administration supports the reauthorisation of the HOPE/HELP trade preferences programme in order to spur greater economic prosperity in Haiti.”
On the immigration front, the president said in his message that his administration was working to expand lawful pathways to the US for Caribbean individuals and establish a faster process for deciding claims of asylum for people who are credibly seeking protection from persecution.
Proclamations marking Caribbean-American Heritage Month have also been issued with the Boston City Council naming a number of outstanding Jamaicans who have worked to foster good relations between the city and the Caribbean American communities.
Among those recognised was internationally acclaimed educator Dr Karren Dunkley.
The New York State Assembly will also be issuing a proclamation later today to mark Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
In celebration of the month, Caribbean-American legislators in the New York State Assembly and Senate will be holding a forum this afternoon.
Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, in her capacity as chair of the CARICOM Consuls General Corps will address the forum.
Several activities have been organised across the US to mark the month.