By NAN Staff Writer
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 5, 2021: Hundreds of Caribbean American immigrants died from COVID-19 in 2020 especially in New York. On Sunday, May 16th, a special “Candles & Roses” ceremony will honor their lives.
The memorial service is set for the Bethesda Healing Center Church at 167 E 98th St, Brooklyn, NY 11212 from 6 P.M. EST. It is unclear how many Caribbean immigrants lost their lives to COVID-19 as deaths are not recorded by nationality, but the numbers based on social media posts by families are staggering.
News Americas last year created a virtual memorial to keep track of the many Caribbean immigrants lost. Access it HERE
The memorial sermon will be delivered by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, of the 8th Congressional District of New York and Chairman of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.
Artistes slated to perform include, gospel singer Carol Maraj, mother of Trinidad-born rapper Nicki Minaj; Guyanese R&B singer, Anthony Baynes; US Army Veteran and winner of the McDonald Gospel Fest, Gerard Placide; gospel singer and school Brooklyn principal, Dr. Cherry-Ann Hislop; medical student, Denisha Mccurchin; gospel singers Odayne Rhoden and Eugenia Inyanobor; the Bethesda Healing Center Dance Ministries and saxophonist, Noel Hale.
Organizers have invited families who lost loved ones to attend, as well as to visit the “Candle Roses Memorial” Facebook Page and upload the names, birth and death dates, and a photograph of their loved ones for inclusion in a video tribute to the fallen heroes.
Tributes will also be delivered by New York State Attorney General, Letitia James; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; New York Senator Roxanne Persaud; New York Assembly Members Nick Perry and Diana Richardson; Justice of the New York State Appellate Court, Sylvia Hinds-Radix; US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch; Chairman of the West Indian Day Carnival Association, Michelle Gibbs and members of the Caribbean clergy.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio, as well as other federal, state and city elected officials have been invited to attend organizers say along with The New York City Police Department, the Judiciary and members of the diplomatic corps.
Covid-19 regulations will be enforced. Intended attendees must RSVP by May 14, 2021 at: candlesrosesmemorial@gmail.com.
