Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman calls for safe spaces amid ongoing gun violence, drownings

Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman on July 13 joined residents for a fun-filled day of barbecuing, music, and community togetherness, at the return of East 34th Street Block party after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chandler Waterman, whose 58th district encompasses East Flatbush, parts of Canarsie, Brownsville, and Crown Heights, is a true champion of the people.

The lawmaker who was joined by President of the E38th Block Association, Guyanese-born June Persaud, told Caribbean Life that she came out to celebrate the event with residents because not everyone can visit the district office, or receive email. As such she finds it fitting to make sure she meets and interacts with residents in the neighborhood.

“We need to meet with residents at times. It’s wonderful to be in the neighborhood, seeing people face to face brings hope. They can talk to me directly about their concerns, and brainstorm how we can deal with issues in the community.”

“A lot of times, people talk to me about their quality-of-life. The biggest issue is gun violence. We have been surveying the community to find ways to end violence,” said Persaud.

She explained that Tilden High School has been identified as a perfect space for a community center, to engage student in after school programs. The institution is equipped with three gyms, as well as a swimming pool, and is centrally located in the Flatbush and surrounding communities.

“The community board also approve of the use of Tilden High School to be utilize as a safe space where both adults and children could congregate. This is just one initiative that would reduce gun violence while saving lives, and keeping the neighborhood safe, said the lawmaker.

She made mention of the accidental drowning of four youths, “and counting” in recent weeks, and called for skillfully trained lifeguards in a community center.

From left, a resident of E 34th Street, President of the Block Association, Guyanese-born June Persaud, and Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, enjoy BBQ and music during the return of the community’s Annual Block Party, on July 13, after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

This is one way to keep residents civically engaged, while enjoying a better quality of life said, Chandler-Waterman, who is working diligently and has faced resistance from the school board at her alma mater Tilden High School.

The educator, who has always recognized the needs of the community and continues to work tirelessly for families, expressed how much she appreciates her job, especially, when there are urgent issues in the community.

She is currently in Grenada, the first stop in the Hurricane Beryl ravaged Caribbean, as part of a delegation, led by Assemblymember Jamie Williams. The group will visit Union Island, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Carriacou, Bequia, and Petite Martinique.

Essential items including bottled water, medicines, first aid cots, sleeping blankets, flashlights, and other needed products were donated in Assembly districts to aid citizens of affected areas.

She told this publication that the group decided to travel to the region to assess the damage, in a “phase one” mission, before going on to a phase two collaboration.

The lawmakers are also seeking further aid from Governor Kathy Hochul to airlift supplies.

We will assess the islands that has the most damage. We know Barbados, St. Vincent, and other fishing industries, have been impacted. Jamaica’s power has been affected, so there’s a lot of different things that’s happening, but we’re doing our first stop in Grenada, and make sure that we get supplies directly to families,” said the politician.

Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Barbadian and Jamaican-born parents, said the group coordinated efforts with Caribbean consuls general to ensure the delegation was taking the right essential items.

“A lot of times people start collecting a bunch of things that’s not needed right away. For now, people need food and water, not clothing specifically, but other items depending on what the damage is. I’m very excited to be traveling this week. We will report upon our return,” promised Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman.

In-the-meantime, the Assembly office will host its 20th Annual Family Day on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. The event will be held in collaboration with Citizens for a Better Community, Assemblywoman Monique Chandler Waterman, and the East Flatbush Village, Inc.

The day-long fun day will be held at Paerdegat Park, located at the corner of Farragut Road & Albany Avenue. Events will include a kids talent show ages (3-15). Additionally, amusement park rides, video games truck, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sports and games. Trophies will be presented to winners. Kids should arrive early wearing comfortable sneakers, ready to compete.

Other side attractions will be steel band and calypso music, Tass drummers, Gospel singers, reggae artists, and more.

A health and education information session will be conducted by visiting nurses and medical personnel from local hospitals.