Sen. Parker honors Yesterday’s Children Inc.’s 13th Annual Salute to Elders

NYS Senator Kevin Parker joined the celebration at Yesterday’s Children Inc.’s 13th Annual Tribute Honoring Elders of Caribbean Descent on Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Golden Palace in Richmond Hills.

According to a statement, the event brought together over 100 community members and avid supporters to honor the mostly octogenarian five honorees – Phillipa Doyle, Catherine Perez, Ena “Mother Garcia, Clotae “Aunty Cleo” Harry, and Grace E. Richards. Each honoree received a proclamation.

Present to bring greetings and confer a proclamation to the organization’s creator and founder, Glenda Cadogan, Senator Parker expressed his admiration for Yesterday’s Children Inc.’s mission, stating, “This organization has been instrumental in recognizing the selfless contributions made by our elders. Their unwavering support and unyielding dedication have paved the way for the success of many. I am honored to be a part of this event and especially proud of the tireless labor of love Glenda and her team pour into making this a success each year.”

Sen. Kevin Parker, presents Glenda Cadogan, creator and founder of Yesterday’s Children, with a Proclamation, on the 13th Anniversary, during a gala to honor seniors. Photo courtesy Office of Senator Kevin Parker

At 85 years old, Ena Garia hails from Trinidad & Tobago. She began her professional journey at Hackshaws Shoemaking and later attended Ogles Commercial School in Port of Spain. Ena gained experience working at the famous Trinidad Penny Bank. Catherina Perez, an 82-year-old individual from Trinidad & Tobago, dedicated her career as a Nursing Assistant at Lennox Hill Hospital in Manhattan until her retirement in 1986. Alongside her passion for healthcare, Catherina finds joy in listening to calypso, gospel, and smooth jazz music. Grace E. Richards, now 93 years old, originates from Trinidad & Tobago.

She pursued her education at Diego Martin RC Primary School, where she discovered her love for playing the piano. Following her passion, Grace attended a nursing school in San Fernando and later worked as a nurse at Caura Hospital before migrating to the United States.

Coming from Brooklyn, NY, Phillipa Doyle is 70 years old and tied the knot with a Trinidadian. In 1986, she relocated her entire family to the twin-island republic, where she still resides. In her newfound home, Phillipa made valuable contributions in accounting, working with major firms on the island. She later joined the team at Courts Furniture store. Fondly known as Aunty Cleo, 86-year-old Cletoae Harry hails from Trinidad & Tobago. She completed her education at St. Phillip’s RC Primary School while simultaneously nurturing her passion for playing netball. In 1989, Cleo migrated to the United States, supporting herself and her family by providing babysitting services.

“An African proverb says, ‘those who respect the elderly pave their own road toward success. I couldn’t be prouder of the collective hands that plough this work, ensuring that we pour into the honorees who have sacrificed so much to ensure others excel,’” said Cadogan.

Yesterday’s Children Inc.’s annual event aims to highlight the invaluable contributions of elders in supporting the paths of achievement for the younger generation. Through their unselfish efforts and often unspoken sacrifices, these remarkable individuals have made a lasting impact on the lives of their children and future leaders, said the statement.