Community Board 17 Commerce Committee celebrates Caribbean Heritage Month at J-Loft

Community Board 17 Commerce Committee on June 27 commemorated Caribbean Heritage Month, and its small business Wine & Food Festival at J-Loft, 1055 45th St., Brooklyn, on June 27.

Dedicated to keeping abreast with issues that affect local merchants, vendors, and shoppers, while building a stronger community, Rodrick F. Daley, chairperson CB17, who received a citation from the office of Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, District 58, for his continued service, reminded residents of the importance of preserving the community.

Daley, who has lived in the district for over 40 years, acknowledged committee members, and welcomed new ones, while noting the work that must be done, and the many activities that are planned to enhance the community.

He called on residents to continue the beautification of the environs through outreaches, with the involvement of homeowners, and small businesses, while building a stronger and better community.

June Persaud, Commerce chairperson, who was in her element, being a business owner and a longtime resident of District 17, welcomed the many guests to support the commerce committee whose aim is to consider issues pertaining to the approval and licensing of peddlers/vendors.

Sesame Flyers stilt walkers revved up an audience at J-Loft, during a Caribbean Heritage Month Wine & Food presentation on June 27, hosted by Community Board 17 Commerce Committee.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

In addition to allowing fruit and newspaper stands, arcades/gaming parlor, social club/cabarets, sale of liquors and beer vendors, the organization assists in the growing of Local Development Corporations (LCDs) and their plans for neighborhood revitalization.

Persaud, owner of JAP Marketing LLC, who, with the help of District Manager, Community Board-17,  Sherif Fraser, celebrated her 60th birthday with music, and dancing, welcomed residents and reminded them of the importance of the work of the Commerce Committee.

She acknowledged sons, Johnathan, and Justin Persaud, for their services as cameraman and deejay, as well as sponsors Bartenura, and J-Loft.

Senator Kevin Parker, a former member of Community Board 17, noted the importance of building community, and economic development, and called on the community to support small businesses.

Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, a vibrant advocate for community development, safety, and togetherness, commended small business owners, and honored them with citations.

Community Board 17 Commerce Committee Chairperson June Persaud presents Robert Gordon, president & Ceo Footprints Cafe – home of the Rasta Pasta with a citation from the office of Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, at a June 27 Caribbean Heritage celebration at J-Loft.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The commendations delivered by Legislative Aid, Chinua Duke, went to Bobby Gordon, proprietor of six locations of Footprints Cafe, Suede Restaurant, Keisha Sydney, community outreach Sesame Flyers, Taste Delicious Bakery & Restaurant, D-Caribbean Bar & Grill, Tropical Breeze, June Griffith, Healing Hands Massage, Roger Beer Distribution, Balloons & Things HQ Bar & Lounge, Facedown Security, Ballroom Kendra’s Place, and Woodzzy Bar.

The politician later, presented Guyanese-national songwriter, singer, Courtney Noel, who was decked out in his county’s flag colors, with a Citation for his outstanding musical contribution to the community.

Celebrants enjoyed delicious jerk chicken, escovitch fish, peas and rice from Footprints Cafe, at a Caribbean Heritage Month Wine & Food presentation on June 27, hosted by Community Board 17 Commerce Committee.
 Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The spirited Caribbean celebration audience enjoyed delicious cuisine of jerk chicken, escovitch fish, and peas & rice, among other delights from Footprints Café, and later danced the evening away alongside energetic Sesame Flyers stilt dancers. Trinidadian-born soca singer Richard Burton revved up the crowd, while Guyanese award-winning vocalist/songwriter Courtney Noel, wowed with his newest release Brooklyn, making the evening a sensational success.

New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud’s office was represented by Kamla Millwood, Sandy Miller, Karen Wharton, and Amar Dyal. Former Justice Sylvia Gwendolyn Ash and Karen Chambers, representative in the Office of Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzales, were also spotted in the audience.

Other committee members are, Carol Barton, Secretary CB17, Adele Bennett, Sonia Clarke, Brie DaCosta, Jerry Dickson, Allison French-Kenton, Rudy Harrisingh, Ozni Lewis, Jorge Taite, Symone Sylvester, and Margueriete Vigliante.

J.L. James said invocation at the event.