NEW YORK, CMC—Dennis Francis, the outgoing president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), is among several persons honored by the New York-based Caribbean-American Lawyers Association (CALA).
Francis said while he had a prepared text, “The occasion tonight, while it is ground-breaking, speaks more of emotion and achievements.
“Four years is a very short time in the life of an organization; it’s a blip on the screen, But I sat there and listened to all that has been achieved in the last four years – a simple Caribbean refusal to accept ‘no.’ We’re not a ‘no’ people. We never did that.
“I’m very humbled and greatly appreciative of the gesture extended to me tonight,” Francis added. I want to congratulate the Caribbean-American Lawyers Association for building jurisprudence in the United States of America,” he said.
CALA, which was formed over four years ago, bestowed its Founders Award on former New York City corporation counsel Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix, the Barbadian-born founder and inaugural president of the association, the Outstanding Public Servant Award on Charles Small, the Barbadian-born Chief Clerk for Civil Matters, New York State Supreme Court and the Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award on Justice Michele S. Rodney, the Jamaican-American Judge of New York State Court of Claims.
Francis, the Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador to the United Nations, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. In contrast, Jamaican Michelle Stoddart, the senior vice president of Community Development and Public Service at Resorts World New York, received the Outstanding Community Service Award.
“I accept this award for a whole group of people,” Justice Hinds-Radix told the ceremony after receiving the award from Dominican-born Justice Ruth Shillingford.
“Tonight, I say ‘wow’. Charles (Small) and I have something in common with Rihanna (renowned Barbadian-born superstar): We were both born on the 166-square-mile island.
“I want to thank every one of you. I want to thank everyone at the table who says I’m their mother (her three daughters were present at her table). I also want to thank those whose shoulders I stand on – those who helped me go to the Appellate Division.
“We don’t get here on our own, and we have to ensure that, for everybody else, the way is paved for them,” continued Justice Hinds at the Gala patronized by over 250 guests. The fearsome duo – me and Betty Matondo-John (her indefatigable secretary)- and the incredible support she gives to this organization. I thank you for this honor.”
Small said he was “honored to share this stage with Justice Hinds-Radix,” saying 15 years ago, because of Justice Hinds-Radix, I’m standing here as the Chief Clerk (for Civil Matters, New York State Supreme Court).
“I want to thank my parents for instilling service and values in me. I thank my son. I want to thank the judges for their support. Over the years, I made great friends. I want to thank all the people from the court,” Small added. “I want to help all the people who helped me.”
In introducing Justice Rodney, Justice Hinds-Radix said the daughter of Carl and Faye Rodney, the Jamaican-born owners/publishers of the New York-based Carib News newspaper, was “committed to justice” and that she “makes sure the community is protected.
“She mentored many young people. She’s an incredible jurist. She speaks truth to power. I expect continued success from Michele (Rodney).”
In accepting the award, Justice Rodney thanked her parents and those who supported her, congratulated the other honorees, and praised “the work others have done.”
CALA’s Jamaican-born chairman of the board, Rudyard F. Whyte, said that Stoddart migrated to New York in “her 20s” and that “she’s a driving force.”
Stoddart noted that the Gala supports “the next generation” and that she was “profoundly grateful for this honor.”
In her introductory remarks, Justice Hinds-Radix said: “We wanted to ensure the Caribbean community had the kind of representation we can provide. One of the things I instilled in my attorneys is that we’re the guardians of what we rely on.
“I’m thrilled to see how much it (CALA) has grown. “Our goal has to be that we lift everyone. There’s so much to learn. So, I thank you for coming,” Justice Hinds-Radix added.
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