Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. with honorees and co-sponsors at his Caribbean Heritage and Culture celebration at City Hall on Thursday, September 14, 2006. Pictured (back, l to r) are: Winston E. Lewis, Founder and General Manager, Culpepper’s Restaurant and Catering Hall; Jean Alexander, Executive Director, The Caribbean American Center of New York; Thompson; Gary Anthony Ramsay, Award-winning Journalist, NY1 News; Rev. Dr. Jacqueline E. McCullough, Senior Pastor and Founder, The International Gathering at Beth Rapha; (front, l to r) Sheree Palmer, Founder and Director, Cambria Center for the Gifted Child; Madame Rosa Guy, Award-winning Novelist and Co-Founder of the Harlem Writers Guild; and, Mathieu Eugene, MD, Founder and Executive Director, Youth for Education and Sports. Photo Credit: Marla S. Maritzer
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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored six New Yorkers at his 2006 Caribbean Heritage Celebration on Thursday, September 14. The event was co-hosted by The Caribbean American Center of New York, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., West Indian Day Carnival Association and Caribbean Women’s Health Association.

“Tonight, we are celebrating a basic truth: New York simply would not be New York without the Caribbean American communities that flourish here,” Thompson said in addressing the crowd at City Hall.

“And from families that have been here for generations, to new immigrants just starting out on their way to the American Dream, Caribbean Americans are making vitally important contributions to the life of our City. We celebrate these contributions and we celebrate the strong bonds of friendship between our City and the island nations of the Caribbean. With shared communities, shared histories, and shared dreams, New York and the countries of the Caribbean enjoy a special sense of fellowship. Let’s keep working to strengthen the bonds among our nations.”

Thompson noted that the honorees are artists, journalists, business people, educators and community activists, who have excelled in their fields and are role models.

The first honoree was award-winning journalist, Gary Anthony Ramsay, who is the weekend anchor and breaking news reporter for NY1 news. Mr. Ramsay has covered a range of local and international stories, including the attacks on the World Trade Center, peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo, and the invasion of Iraq. He has received a number of awards for his work including several from both the New York and National Association of Black Journalists. In addition, he is a member of the board of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of New York.

“Gary Anthony Ramsay has provided outstanding service as a journalist, covering a wide range of vitally important issues, and is a role model in the community,” Thompson said.

The next honoree, Dr. Mathieu Eugene, a medical doctor from Haiti, is founder and executive director of Youth for Education and Sports, Inc. (YES). Based on similar organizations he founded in Haiti and Europe, the purpose of YES is to promote self-esteem, discipline, respect and other skills necessary for young people to succeed in life. He also hosts Youth and Family Empowerment, a community cable show that promotes family values, health education and disease awareness.

Dr. Eugene is a member of Community Board 14 and the Community Board for Inpatient Services at Maimonides Medical Center. He is a co-founder of the Committee for the Development of Northern Haiti and a former president of the Haitian Community of Holy Innocents Parish. He also serves on the boards of the Haitian American Association for Political Action and the Haitian Consortium for Haitian Empowerment.

“Over the course of his career, Dr. Eugene has initiated a wide range of programs addressing a host of important issues. He is a builder of bridges and an inspiration to all in the community,” Thompson said.

The next honoree, Madame Rosa Guy, is an award-winning author. Ms. Guy's first novel, Bird at My Window, was published in 1966; the book is set in Harlem and deals with social forces that foster the demoralization of black men. In 1970, Guy edited Children of Longing, a collection of first-hand experiences and aspirations of black teens and young adults. After her travels to the Caribbean and some time spent living in Haiti and Trinidad, Guy wrote The Friends in 1973 and Ruby in 1976; both reflect West Indian and Haitian cultures.

Over the course of her career, Guy has authored fifteen novels. Her book The Friends earned the American Library Association's Notable Book Award, and My Love, My Love is the basis for the award-winning musical Once on This Island. Guy also is the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award and the New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year citation.

“Rosa Guy has delighted and inspired readers of all ages with her wonderful work. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, it is my pleasure to give her the Creative Artists Image Award,” Thompson said.

Entrepreneur Winston E. Lewis was the next honoree. Mr. Lewis is founder and general manager of Culpepper’s Restaurant and Caterers. Founded in 1998, the restaurant has received rave reviews for its distinctive cuisines. In 2001, The Village Voice’s food critic, Robert Sietsma, named the restaurant as the best Ethnic Eating Place in New York City.

Originally from Barbados, Mr. Lewis began his entrepreneurial career by purchasing eleven taxis and hiring personnel to drive and service them. This venture eventually grew into Winston’s Auto Center, an automobile repairs shop he opened in 1977. He went on to own and manage various other businesses including: Nature’s Best, a fruit and vegetable store; Gold Seal Transmissions, another auto repair shop; and CDP Cargo USA, Inc. which transported cargo to various Third World countries. He has also contributed to the entertainment industry by producing two records by the artist Tony (Commander) Grazette.

“Winston Edward Lewis has pursued his entrepreneurial dreams with talent, dedication, and success, and has given generously of his time and support to community endeavors,” Thompson said.

The next honoree was Sheree Palmer, founder and director of Cambria Center for the Gifted Child (CCGC). Founded in 1980 as a home school with just four children, CCGC has grown and achieved a reputation for excellence. It now serves approximately 300 students from pre-school to the 5th grade. The center provides a challenging academic program coupled with a strong cultural foundation that helps a child reach their full potential.

Ms. Palmer also serves on several non-profit boards and has received many awards for her outstanding contributions.

“Ms. Palmer has created outstanding educational opportunities for young people. In recognition of her tremendous accomplishments, leadership, and community service, it is my pleasure to present this award to Sheree Palmer,” Thompson said.

One honoree, Dr. Stephen Carryl, was unable to attend the ceremony due to a last minute scheduling conflict. Dr. Carryl is chairman and program director of Surgery at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. As chairman, he oversees the operations of several specialty departments, including General Surgery; Neurosurgery; Podiatry; Orthopedic Surgery; Vascular Surgery; and Cardiac Thoracic. In honor of Dr. Carryl’s work, the Consumers Research Council of America named him one of America’s Top Surgeons.

Dr. Carryl is also widely recognized for his humanitarian work. He is founder and president of the Overseas Medical Assistance Team (OMAT), a non-profit organization formed in 1992. He has led medical teams on more than 15 humanitarian missions including visits to Haiti, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Botswana.

United In Harmony Steel Orchestra performed at event. Rev. Dr. Jacqueline E. McCullough, senior pastor and founder of The International Gathering at Beth Rapha, offered the invocation and Rev. Philius Nicolas, senior pastor at Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men, offered the Benediction.

To receive photographs, please contact Marla Maritzer at (212) 669-2597 or at mmaritz@comptroller.nyc.gov.

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