On Saturday, May 24 at the inaugural Memorial Day Ceremony, the Brooklyn-based Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) bestowed honors on several Caribbean-born military veterans.
The veterans, who served either their native country or the United States, including Arden Tannis, a former inspector in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; Tannis’s Barbadian-born wife, Dr. Arlette Tannis, an erstwhile member of the Barbados Defense Force; Daton Benn, who served in the Guyana Defense Force; Barbadian-born De-Alvin Wiltshire, a former specialist in the US Army; and Vincentian-born Dr. Nelson A. King, a retired US Army sergeant.
The honorees were presented with citations and proclamations from U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, and New York City Council Member Rita Joseph, the Haitian-born representative for the 40th Council District in Brooklyn.
“We pay our respect to the countless men and women of courage, some of whom paid the ultimate price for the preservation of freedom and democracy – not just in this country but around the world,” CACCI Dominican-born President Jean Joseph told Caribbean Life.
“I am honored by this opportunity to pay tribute to the veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States,” she added. “However, as a Caribbean-themed community-based organization, it behooves us to extend our arms of embrace to the veterans from CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries whose contributions and service to preserving democracy are no less than that of their American counterparts.
“Additionally, this year, we are pleased to honor veterans who are entrepreneurs,” Joseph continued. “Many among us have served active military duty and, after their tour, returned to contribute to our communities in another capacity as business owners.
“Some of them are proud members of CACCI, and today, we are delighted to give them special recognition as well,” she said.
Council Member Joseph thanked CACCI for “hosting this meaningful Memorial Day gathering” and for its “tireless commitment to honoring our fallen heroes.
“As the council member for District 40, it’s an honor to join this community in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” she said. “Today, we gather not to celebrate war but to pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and love of country exemplified by those who gave their lives in service.
“These brave individuals put the nation’s interests above their own, safeguarding our freedoms and way of life,” Council Member Joseph added. “As we honor the fallen, let’s remember that behind every flag-draped casket was a cherished family member or friend. Their sacrifice allows us to live freely, express ourselves, and pursue our dreams.
“We’re forever indebted to them, but we can honor their memory through our actions and commitment to the values they died for,” she continued. “Let’s commit to supporting our military families and veterans beyond today.
“I’d like to acknowledge the veterans and active service members present – your service inspires us, and we’re honored by your presence,” the council member said. “To truly honor the fallen, we must be worthy citizens of the nation they protected. I challenge you to carry the spirit of Memorial Day forward. Let’s engage in acts of service that honor their memory and preserve the freedom they defended. Freedom’s fragile – it’s our responsibility to safeguard it for future generations.”
In remembering the fallen heroes, Joseph asked for a “moment of silence in their honor.”
Wiltshire, who was drafted into the US Army and served in Bangkok from 1970 to 1974, said he was delighted to be honored.
“I love this,” he told Caribbean Life afterward. “This is my first (honor).”
Tannis, a CACCI member and entrepreneur, said he and his wife first met when she was deployed with the Barbados Defense Force as a medic to help quell an uprising in 1979 on Union Island in the southern St. Vincent Grenadines.
“It’s a great gesture,” said Tannis, a former vice president of the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), the umbrella Vincentian group in the US.
Dr. Tannis, a physician who manages the Medical/Surgical Unit at Wycoff Medical Center in Brooklyn, said she “played” her part in serving her native Barbados.
“I feel joy that I was able to serve,” she told Caribbean Life.
The honor ceremony was immediately preceded by marching, dancing, and drumming by Brooklyn-based Victory Music & Dance Company and Urban Dance Opportunities (UDO).
“As a daughter of a US Marines veteran who served in the Vietnam War, it was truly an honor to have our youth participate in today’s Memorial Day event,” said Nicole Williams, founder and executive director of the Brownsville-based non-profit Victory Music & Dance Company. “It’s important for young people to understand the significance of service, sacrifice, and community.”
She said the organization’s Brownsville–East New York Community marching band delivered “a vibrant and energetic performance, showcasing the discipline, talent, and pride instilled in every young performer.
“With a remarkable 100 % acceptance rate into competitive performing arts middle schools, high schools, and colleges, the organization continues to transform lives and open doors for the youth of Brooklyn,” Williams added.
She said Victory Music & Dance Company was proud to participate in the Black Veterans for Social Justice Parade on Memorial Day to continue honoring the legacy of those who served.
UDO said it is rooted in Afro-Caribbean and urban dance styles and offers “accessible training for youth and adults, with a focus on culture, confidence, and community.”
“UDO’s mission is to inspire the next generation through movement, mentorship, and cultural pride,” it said.
CACCI President Joseph said the celebration was “a great success,” stating that “many turned out to support the event,” including Council Member Joseph; a representative from Clarke’s Office; Grenada Consul General to New York Michael Brizan; and former Corporation Counsel, Barbadian-born Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix.
“These veterans were proud to receive their awards,” said CACCI’s Joseph. “We were happy to partner with Council Member Rita Joseph’s Office for this event. We plan to make this an annual event.”
