It was a crowning moment for Guyanese Americans on March 22, when the MTA unveiled the symbolic “Welcome to Little Guyana” plaque in the mezzanine at the Lefferts Boulevard A-train station in Richmond Hill, Queens.
The bustling city where the largest Guyanese population in New York city dwell, own small businesses, and showcase affluent Indo-Caribbean culture, in 2021, celebrated the co-naming of the same intersection of Lefferts Blvd./Liberty Avenue, Little Guyana, and further advocated for the subway signage.
Demetrius Crichlow, senior vice president of the New York City Transit Department of Subways, joined Senator Joseph Addabbo, Councilmember Lynn C. Schulman, Assemblyman David Weprin, Tim Minton, communications director, MTA, Lions Club President Romeo Hitlall, and community leaders, to officially honor the significant occasion.
Critchlow, a longtime New Yorker, who started his career with the MTA in 1997, praised Little Guyana for its warmth and vibrancy, noting, the MTA values diversity in communities, their employees, and in leadership. It’s a great moment to celebrate here,” he said.
He alluded to Guyana’s diverse population, of many cultures, that come together, like New York, a melting pot of communities, family, and friends.
“This location is special, we celebrated Guyana’s Republic anniversary in February, and Holy is this weekend. This is the perfect time, and place to recognize Little Guyana, during the spring season of warmth, color, and vibrancy, that Little Guyana represents.”
Critchlow spoke of the symbiotic relationship between transportation and communities that the MTA serves. “Every community that is surrounded by transportation thrives in it.”
He said people are tied to locations, and they take ownership of their transportation choices.
“Little Guyana you take ownership as a part of the community, my employees support the community. They are looking for the best location to get ‘pepper pot’ and ‘cassava bread,’ he said, referencing Guyanese food, and mused, “I want to have some too.” He then congratulated the team, which advocated for the signage.
He assured that conductors will be encouraged to announce, ‘Welcome to Little Guyana, when the train arrive at the Lefferts Boulevard stop.
Senator Addabbo welcomed the stakeholders, including, Romeo Hitlall, and noted that the sign is a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Guyanese community, and the decades old contributions they have brought to the community, while raising the economy with small businesses along Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Blv’d.
He applauded the immigrants and their families noting the diversity of the community that has been growing over the years, in the most diverse borough in the world, in the city, and state, and country. “That is why America is the greatest country in the world,” Addabbo stated.
“The signage also represents the immigrants who came here before, so while the Welcome to Little Guyana sign will welcome new visitors, we must be reminded of the immigrants, who have been here for decades,” said Sen. Addabbo, a life-long resident of the environ.
“I am glad to be a part of Little Guyana, but it takes all of us to make sure that the diversity works, and we can welcome everyone here,” said the politician.
Romeo Hitlall, 1st vice district governor of the Brooklyn & Queens Lions Club, expressed gratitude to the MTA and Sen. Addabbo, noting the historic unveiling was a partnership effort between elected officials, the Richmond Hill South Ozone Park Lions Club, and the community, adding that the sign will welcome millions of visitors passing through the subway station and Little Guyana.
“I want to continue working with partners to do better and greater things in our community, thank you very much,” said Hitlall.
“This is another recognition in the Guyanese community that has made a major contribution in Queens and New York city. We have so many different events here in in Richmond Hill that we’re so proud of, and we are very proud of the sign in Richmond Hill” said Assemblyman David Weprin.
City Councilmember Lynn Schulman also applauded immigrants, noting that she was proud to be part of the historic unveiling of the sign in Little Guyana.
“This community has been here since the 1970s and 80s when Guyanese were coming into Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, this is a symbol of the diversity of our borough, the most diverse in the world. The Guyanese community is a big part of our community we should celebrate everyone, every day.”
She thanked the MTA, noting “it’s amazing that when she takes the subway, she will see a sign that says ‘Welcome to Little Guyana.’ I’ve always felt welcomed here and now everybody is going to see what diversity is, and how rich this community is. Thank you very much,” said Schulman.
Also in attendance, were Berkley VanTull, captain, commanding officer of the 16 Precinct, Lynette Shelborne-Barfield, director of strategic partnership, office of NY City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Community Leader, District 31, Richard David.
The memorable event was celebrated with music from the Exclusive Takeover Tassa Dumming Ensemble, and the waving of Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead and American flags of freedom.
