Caribbean pols pay tribute to 9/11 victims

Caribbean-American legislators in New York have paid tribute to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, promising never to forget the nearly 3,000 victims killed on that fateful day 23 years ago.

“That solemn vow goes beyond the losses our city and nation faced during the atrocious attacks,” Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, told Caribbean Life. “We also must keep supporting the courageous first responders and service members who are still suffering serious health issues from the hazards of Ground Zero.

“The deaths from 9/11-related diseases have outnumbered those lost during the attacks–the trauma and damage from 2001 unfortunately still persists for thousands of New Yorkers and their loved ones,” added the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “And although the Sept. 11th attacks occurred more than two decades ago, 9/11 is seared into all our minds–and changed our lives forever.

“We hold deep in our hearts the innumerable Americans who lost loved ones, and we grieve with you in unity,” she continued. “I also urge everyone to unite as caring neighbors and staunch advocates for those in our community still suffering.”

Bichotte Hermelyn said that though the collective trauma from Sept. 11, 2001 will never fully heal, “the strength and unity displayed by all New Yorkers ultimately allowed our city and borough to come back stronger.

“And I pray that everyone can find some comfort in the united support that still defines our city,” she said, adding: “We owe an innumerable debt of gratitude for the selfless bravery from our first responders – and everyday heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We must continue to honor that heroism by fostering peace, unity and uplifting our communities as we defend our democracy,” Bichotte Hermelyn urged. “We will never forget.”

Council Member Farah N. Louis addresses town hall in Brooklyn on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity in July 2024. Photo by Nelson A. King

City Council Member Farah Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, said that the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City was “one of the most tragic events in American history.

“Most New Yorkers vividly recall the horror and devastation that day wrought on our city, the hundreds of first responders who bravely gave their lives, and the nearly 3,000-plus- individuals who perished,” said the representative for the 45th Council District in Brooklyn.

“The events of 9/11 forged a deep bond among New Yorkers, united by shared grief and patriotism,” she added. “In remembrance, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum stands as a powerful tribute, transforming Ground Zero from a site of unimaginable loss and horror into a place of reflection. Here, families and loved ones can pay their respects to those who lost and sacrificed their lives.

“Although that day altered our lives forever, it is crucial to take time to remember the 3,000-plus souls lost and the countless others whose lives were forever changed,” Louis continued. “Let us push forward their legacies, reflect, and keep their memories alive, ensuring that their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us all.”

Haitian-born City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who represents the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, honored “the brave first responders, many of whom called the Council District I represent, home, including members of the FDNY (Fire Department of New York) and NYPD (New York Police Department).

“Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” she said. “We remember the lives lost and stand with the families who continue to feel the impact of that tragic day.

“Let us continue to support our first responders and work toward a future of unity, and peace,” Narcisse urged. “May God continue to Bless America!”

New York State Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, said, “23 years ago marked a day of profound loss and sacrifice.

“On Sept. 11th we remember those who tragically lost their lives and honor the brave souls who gave their lives to save others,” said the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants. “As we memorialize their courage, let us continue as a community to show love, compassion, and unity, keeping their legacy alive in our hearts.

“If you need support and feel overwhelmed on this day, call 988, a crisis hotline, or seek supportive services,” she urged the community. “Let’s do what we can to echo the message of love and that there is hope, which lives in every one of us. We are in this together. It is not an I thing; it is a WE thing!”

US Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, said: “Twenty-three years ago today, the 9/11 attacks forever changed our world and lives.

“We must continue to honor the nearly 3,000 souls lost on that day — including 343 firefighters and 23 police officers, as well as the countless others who have confronted health complications directly tied to its tragic aftermath — by ensuring our country is safe from both domestic and foreign threats, maintaining our relationships with our allies to bolster our counterterrorism capabilities, and thwarting threats before they reach our borders and shores,” she said.

“My continued prayers go out to both the families who suffered the loss of loved ones and to the families of those who survived,” Clarke added. “I pray that, even in the smallest of ways, we never fail to remember and honor their memories.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, whose father hails from Trinidad and Tobago, said, on Thursday, Sept. 12th, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., she will join the Supreme Court of Bronx County to host the annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance ceremony at Lou Gehrig Plaza, 161st Street between the Grand Concourse and Walton Avenue.

Gibson said the two-hour tribute will include dance and musical performances, with Founder of the Bronx Music Podcast, Host of Bronxnet’s Bronx Talk, and the Bronx Buzz, Gary Axelbank, serving as MC.

On Monday, labor unions representing firefighters from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) grimly revealed that 370 firefighters have now died from 9/11-related illnesses.

“We pray that 9/11 has claimed its last victim, but, sadly, we know that’s not the case,” said Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro. “Every month we’re burying three or four more FDNY members, and we fear the number will continue to grow.”

Uniformed Fire Officers Association President Jim Brosi also said: “Behind these numbers are real people suffering.”