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“CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E973-E974 on June 5, 2012.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
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HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. The area I represent, the 17th District in New York, which comprises areas of the Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland Counties, is home to a significant Caribbean American population that contributes to our State through local businesses, community development and its rich diversity. It has been an honor to learn about the various countries in the Caribbean from where these families come, to experience their cultures, and to observe as they participate fully in all aspects of American society.
My support for Caribbean Americans extends well past the boundaries of my district. As the Ranking Member and former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I have visited many Caribbean countries and have learned the importance of the region to the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere. In fact, last year I wrote an amendment, which passed the Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously, urging the State Department to place U.S. Embassies in five Caribbean countries that are without a permanent diplomatic post. I strongly believe that bolstering U.S.-Caribbean relations needs to be a priority, and opening these embassies would benefit U.S. ties with the entire region. I also had the honor of joining President Obama earlier this year at the Summit of the Americas where we reinforced our dedication to the Caribbean and, last year, had the unique experience of traveling with a delegation of Caribbean ministers to Israel.
My time spent with my Caribbean American constituents and in the great countries that make up the Caribbean has helped me to truly appreciate the influence of Caribbean culture on the U.S. This June, I am pleased to take this opportunity to commemorate Caribbean Americans Heritage Month, and look forward to a future of working closely with the Caribbean American community ensure positive cross-cultural relations.
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