Authority Celebrates Contributions of Guyanese-American Community to the Fabric of New York City
Plaques Displayed on Station Mezzanine Level
View Photos of Celebration
View Video of Celebration and B-Roll of Installation of Plaques
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today unveiled two plaques recognizing Guyanese-American heritage at Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd Station in Southeast Queens. The plaques which read, “Welcome to Little Guyana,” will be displayed in the station’s mezzanine on both sides of the station booth where nearly 27,000 daily riders will see it. The plaques celebrate the importance of Guyanese culture to the surrounding neighborhood, also known as “Little Guyana,” where numerous Guyanese restaurants, bakeries, shops, and other small businesses line the streets. The unveiling took place today to help kick off Holi festivities, a celebration of light, color and spring widely observed within the Guyanese-American community and throughout the Indian diaspora.
“A subway station can be the beating heart of a community and there’s no better station to honor Guyanese culture than at Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd, which serves the community of Little Guyana,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “New York City Transit will continue its work to provide faster, cleaner, and safer service on the to get the residents of Little Guyana where they need to go for their Holi celebrations and on every other day.”
“At New York City Transit Department of Subways, we value the rich diversity of our customers, and our stations should reflect the mosaic of New York City’s multinational communities,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “I’m grateful to all who came together to bring these plaques to this station and honored to celebrate the countless contributions Guyanese-Americans have made to this neighborhood and all of New York City.”
The plaques were originally requested by the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Clubs which approached New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., who recommended their installation to the MTA. The plaques are designed to withstand environmental elements and last for years into the future. New York City is home to approximately 140,000 Guyanese residents, making it the largest Guyanese community in the United States.
“This is a snapshot of how government should work, the resident comes to the elected official, the elected official goes to the agencies and good things happen for a community," said NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. "These plaques serve as a symbol of unity and recognition for the vibrant culture that adds so much to the fabric of our diverse city. Let us continue to embrace and honor the traditions and contributions of our Guyanese neighbors in 'Little Guyana' and beyond."
“Today, I join with Senator Joe Addabbo and the MTA to honor our Guyanese American community with the new ‘Welcome to Little Guyana’ signs at the Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd Station. These are not only signs but a symbol of how New York State honors and celebrates the Guyanese Heritage that has shaped our Gorgeous Mosaic,” said Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar. “New York City is home to the largest Guyanese diaspora community in the world outside of Guyana, and Little Guyana is its heart and soul. People from around the world flock to the neighborhood to enjoy the unique sights, sounds, and tastes of Guyana in New York. I am proud to represent Little Guyana in the Assembly, where I passed the historic bill establishing Diwali, a public holiday in Guyana, as a school holiday in New York City. Thank you to my friend Romeo Hitlall and the Richmond Hill–South Ozone Park Lions Club for making this possible.”
"I proudly represent the 24th Assembly District, which includes Richmond Hill, often referred to as ‘Little Guyana,’ with its large Guyanese community,” said Assembly Member David Weprin. “We appreciate their culture and celebrate their heritage. As Holi approaches and we leave winter behind, we celebrate our Guyanese community with this plaque, welcoming residents to Little Guyana."
"I'm honored to be a part of this historic unveiling," said Council Member Lynn Schulman. "This sign will be an everyday celebration of the rich heritage and contributions of the Guyanese community here in Queens. This event symbolizes our appreciation of the diverse cultures that make our city vibrant."
"I am deeply honored to witness the installation of signage welcoming visitors to 'Little Guyana' at the Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd Station train station," said District Governor Elect Romeo Hitlall of the Lions Club. "This initiative is a testament to our community's rich tapestry of cultures and serves as a symbol of inclusivity and diversity."