Day by day, New Yorkers slowly shake off the aftershock of Hurricane Sandy, reflecting on the extraordinary highs and devastating low points the city has undergone in the past two weeks.
One of the high points has been Caribbean diplomats, notably Grenada Consul General Derrick James, community leaders and other volunteers rolling up their sleeves to help storm survivors in Queens and Brooklyn.
But first, there was the bad news — lives were lost. The same storm, which killed at least 71 persons in the Caribbean and left 43 dead in New York City — crippled all forms of transportation, damaged the city’s infrastructure and caused immeasurable injury to spirit of those hit hardest by the tempest.
High points began with efforts of police, firefighters and EMTs before and during Sandy’s arrival on Oct. 29 and 30.
A couple of days later, at 6 a.m. on Thursday, there was some more good news.
I was groggy, but soon exhilarated to stand with hundreds of New Yorkers queued for the MTA’s Brooklyn-to-Manhattan shuttle buses.
And it was no surprise to see and hear Caribbean-Americans, in large numbers, boarding the first public transportation to Manhattan since Sandy stymied the city.
However, the several days of shuttle bus service were the source of another low point for me — the insolent, low-down commuters who muster the nerve to cut in front of the hundreds waiting in line. How low can you go?
But rising above the acts of the inconsiderate few were a host of honorable actions — more high points.
The Grenada Consulate is working along with GRENCAP (Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique United), an active New York-based coalition of more than 50 Grenadian organizations based in New York, to aid storm survivors.
Among the Sandy fatalities was Grenadian-American Eden Jolly of Far Rockaway, Queens, who reportedly drowned.
“We are bringing together people who could provide useful information for victims of Sandy including home repairs,” said James, said of a public meeting for Sandy relief held Nov. 4 at Holy Cross School in Brooklyn.
Attendees were urged to bring bottled water, garbage bags, disposable gloves, canned foods and juices, bed linens or other items.
With colder weather looming, consulate officials also put out a call for volunteer electricians and plumbers to help nationals with heater/boiler damage and emergency electrical work.
“We know this is a troubling time for affected families, the consulate is already assisting in all ways possible, do not hesitate to contact us so we could help directly or guide you to the best resources available. We are a resilient people, we will get through this together!,” said James in a message to the public.
The consulate is reaching out to nationals have lost travel documents or had them damaged by the storm.
“Please contact us as once if your documents are damaged (we would need to see the damaged documents, do not discard),” is one of the important tips from the Grenada consulate regarding passports and other important travel documents.
Grenadian nationals affected by the storm and persons seeking to donate needed items, can call the Grenada Consulate at (212) 518-7057 or (347) 371-9970 or call GRENCAP United (917) 846-9843. Also visit www.grenadaconsulate.org online.
Trinidad Consulate is down, but not out
The home of the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate was put out of commission by the surging superstorm-driven flood waters. But T&T consulate officials are staying in touch and aiding their nationals via the Internet.
“Dear Nationals and Friends, The consulate general is closed until further notice,” reads a notice from Consul General Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam on the consulate's website. "The power and all communication lines have not yet been restored in the office building on 125 Maiden Lane . . . Updates will continue to be posted on this website and Facebook. Please spread the word to other Trinidadians and Tobagonians who may not have power at this time or access to the Internet,” read the website alert.
The consulate’s website address is www.ttcgnewyork.com. The Facebook address is www.facebook.com/ttcgny.
Nationals who missed appointments for passport and other services will be contacted for re-scheduling.
For emergency consular services, contact the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago in Washington, D.C. by e-mailing ttembwash@gmail.com or (202) 204-0812, extension 1009 or 1018 or the Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago in Miami by email at consulate@ttcgmiami.com (305) 374-2199 extension 114, 300 or 320.
Reggae Culture Salute concert has new date
The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music's Reggae Culture Salute - originally planned for Nov. 3 - has been rescheduled for Nov. 25.
The show stars Luciano and Mr. Vegas and features Nyahbinghi drumming and rituals, video presentations and performances by Ossie Dellimore, Tayazawan, Major Daps, Tony Rankin, Sister Cindy and Major One.
The event pays special tribute to Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence and marks the 82nd anniversary of the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Mennen of Ethiopia. There will also be Caribbean cuisine catered The Door restaurant of Queens.
The family-friendly show starts 5 p.m. at Nazareth High School, 475 E. 57th St. (between Clarendon and Avenue D in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Tickets purchased for Nov. will be honored on Nov. 25. Children 13 and under are free
“In light of all the challenges facing our community, we felt this was the right thing to do as so many of our brothers and sisters are hurting at this time,” said CPR chairperson, Sharon Gordon, noting that transportation challenges also threatened to impact the quality of the presentation.
Tickets are $40 for general admission and $100 for VIP seating. Call (718) 421-6927.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NydnRss/~3/OnOrm2F15Kk/story01.htm
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