Guyanese nationals are by far a few of the most completed immigrants residing in New York. They’ve labored exhausting, performed by the foundations, and achieved the American dream.
As such, 5 compatriots whose contributions proceed to encourage generations to return had been honored on March 20 for his or her excellent achievements on the 2025 Caribbean Life Influence Awards Gala amongst scores of different Caribbeans who loved an distinctive night of celebration at Terrace on the Park in Queens.
Throughout a cocktail hour and Q&A with curator Amanda Tarley, Doris Rodney, proprietor of the Hills Restaurant and Bar in Brooklyn, mentioned, “My ardour is all about cooking, creating, and inventing meals for the soul.” She added that it’s a pleasure to see the expressions on the faces of patrons once they come into her restaurant to be served.
She shared that the restaurant enterprise is tiresome, however it’s all about not giving up and combating. She mentioned it’s vitally necessary to show “your youngsters the enterprise; they too will get drained, however she insists the hot button is by no means giving up, simply maintain transferring with a number of tenacity,” mentioned Rodney, who migrated to America thirty-five years in the past and finally labored exhausting and determinedly opened her first enterprise.
She additionally owns Waterfall Lounge BK. Each institutions are assembly spots for nationals, locals, and guests who come to eat and socialize.
Antoine B. Craigwell, president & CEO of the nonprofit Depressed Black Homosexual Males, Inc., is enthusiastic about ending suicide in Guyana by way of psychological well being workshops.
He shared that Guyana has one of many highest suicide charges, and he has devoted himself to bringing consciousness in regards to the sickness.
“I shared the fundamental details about recognizing signs of psychological sickness for suicide prevention. There have been roughly three suicides after I was in Guyana. It’s very exhausting,” mentioned Craigwell, who produced the documentary “You Are Not Alone and contributed to Headcase – an Anthology of LGBTQ Writers and Artists on Psychological Well being and Wellness.
Captain Haslyn Anson Peters, who got here from humble beginnings and grew up in Georgetown, is an airline pilot with JetBlue Airways and founding father of Harpe Eagles Pathways, a youth aviation initiative program that advises others to try for excellence.
The aviator, whose journey started as a scout chief and Work together Membership member and later led the Joshua Era Youth Group, is devoted to mentoring younger folks.
Peters participated in Operation Raleigh, a global expedition program, and served within the Guyana Defence Pressure, the place he earned a authorities scholarship for flight coaching. After migrating to america, he joined the New York Military Nationwide Guard’s Aviation Unit and have become a member of the group of Black Airline Pilots (OBAP) to encourage younger folks of shade to pursue aviation careers.
Peters’ inaugural JetBlue flight to Guyana showcased his inspiring journey, gaining recognition in numerous media shops. He additionally enjoys the status of america Gold Customary Presidential Award. Moreover, he collaborates with CARICOM to ship aviation profession displays in Guyana and helps his alma mater by way of annual profession festivals.
“I am devoted to mentoring younger folks, each in teams and individually, in aviation and private achievement that continues to form future aviators and leaders,” mentioned Peters, who added that he was humbled to be honored.
Rowtas “Roger” Singh, Emblem Well being’s group engagement specialist, passionately spoke about working carefully with group faith-based organizations. He mentioned he’s honored to be working with a crew headed by Ann-Marie Adamson-Serieux, a Guyanese nationwide.
Singh, a US Air Pressure veteran with 23 years of distinguished service, works with elected officers and district attorneys to advertise wholesome residing.
He spoke of conserving the Caribbean group wholesome by way of training within the boroughs, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.
Singh says the perfect recommendation he has been given was from his father, a former police inspector who mentioned, “Son, present me your mates, and I’ll let you know who you might be. I listened to him, and it paid off.”
“I got here to America on the age of 9, joined the Air Pressure at age 17, and served for 23 years,” mentioned the specialist who additionally served as a Medical Technician and Air Transportation Craftsman and took part in important operations, together with Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Haiti reduction efforts.
The jovial and really animated Singh, who has over 30 years of expertise in healthcare, now dedicates himself to supporting New York Metropolis’s Caribbean group. He skillfully builds relationships with elected officers like U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Mayor Eric Adams to create impactful group applications.
Singh organizes quite a few well being festivals and cultural occasions and has earned widespread accolades for his dedication and dedication. He’s additionally a member of Toastmasters Worldwide and a graduate of the Stanford Diabetes Self-Administration Program and actively pursues private {and professional} improvement.
Singh is married to Zabeeda for 28 years, with whom he shares three daughters. He says his life exemplifies a deep dedication to service, group, and household.
Dr. Ronda E. Phillips, an govt director of Neighborhood Faculty District 23, New York Metropolis Public Colleges, started her profession as a Particular Training Trainer in Ocean-Hill, Brownsville, the place her dedication to the Caribbean group deepened.
The seasoned educator with over 25 years of expertise is devoted to bettering the lives of underserved college students. As such, she superior to roles as Principal and Govt Director of Neighborhood 23, working to assist the realm’s vibrant Caribbean Inhabitants.
Dr. Phillips, who holds a bachelor’s in social work from Hunter School, a grasp’s in particular training from Lengthy Island College, and a Grasp’s in Academic Management from the School of St. Roses, went on to earn a Doctorate in Academic Management from SAGE College, specializing in culturally responsive training for Caribbean college students in her dissertation.
Dr. Phillips says she is a passionate advocate for inclusive training, can also be a author, and enjoys touring along with her household. Her work continues to form culturally responsive training practices, notably for English-speaking Caribbean college students.
Daybreak S. Walker, vice chairman of Communications and Advertising and marketing at SUNY Downstate Well being Sciences College, like the opposite Guyanese nationals, proudly carried her nation’s Golden Arrowhead Flag of Achievement as she accepted her crystal award. She expressed gratitude through the Q&A.
The strategist with experience in authorities, nonprofit, healthcare, and better training sectors is a champion in her area.
She oversees disaster administration, public relations, and advertising and marketing and shapes the instruction’s public picture. A seasoned skilled, Walker held senior roles at Kingsborough Neighborhood School and Medgar Evers School, specializing in outreach, media relations, and fundraising.
Walker served as Deputy Press Secretary to then-New York Metropolis Mayor Michael Bloomberg, managing communications for 2 deputy mayors in training and public housing.
She is the co-founder of Ladies’s Metropolis Community and has supported girls in nonprofit and public sector management. She at the moment serves on the board of Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute and School & Communication Fellowship, a re-entry program for justice-impacted girls.
Walker holds a BA in communications from SUNY Outdated Westbury and MPA from Baruch School’s Faculty of Public Affairs.
The Guyanese group want to congratulate the outstanding contributions of nationals of their respective communities.
A particular because of Victoria Schneps-Yunis, CEO and writer of Caribbean Life, and Josh Schneps for the distinctive presentation in tribute to Caribbean nationals.
