Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts Guyanese Heritage Reception

July 22, 2025

Video available at: https://youtu.be/pKWW9f5ts_M

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you so much, commissioner. And as you look throughout the entire administration, you see the rich spirit of the Guyanese community that's here. You know, being mayor is both substantive and [symbolic.] They go together, just as many people have adored Gracie Mansion, the graces which are present, but no one has brought such beautiful colors and culture here as this Guyanese community has done today. 

You know, your rich energy, and you know what I learned about the Guyanese community? They love telling you they're from Guyana. You know, that whole energy, that proud, and now that you have discovered oil, good Lord. But let me tell you this, you mean a lot to our community. And sometimes when we see representation in city government, you don't realize the impact. 

It's the diversity that allows us to bring all of our cultural and understanding to make sure that we bring that spirit. Think about what Matt Fraser has done as the chief technology officer, free, high speed broadband for NYCHA residents, allowing us to use technology to implore and encourage our young people. He has changed the landscape of the city by his ability to look and see how technology can improve our lives. He's Guyanese. That's how he brought that energy and spirit there. 

And then look at Tania, first Guyanese to be the first deputy commissioner of the New York City Police Department, the largest police department in the entire country. She's the second in charge of that operation, and that says a lot. And she brings the energy, the spirit, empowering not only Guyanese women, but women all across this entire city. And you look through the administration and you see it over and over again. And so, there are substantive things we have to do. 

We have to bring down crime, [lowest] record levels of crime, less homicides and shootings in recorded history of the city. We have to build housing. We built more housing in year one, two, and three in the history of the city. We built more housing, shovels in the ground, than 12 years of Michael Bloomberg, eight years of de Blasio combined, combined. 

What we're doing for foster care children, paying their college tuition. What we're doing for low-income New Yorkers. Do you know, New York City, you now have no income tax for low-income New Yorkers at all because of what we've done. What we're doing for pre-K and 3K, record level. But all of those are good substantive things. 

But what about symbolism? It took 110 mayors before the 140,000 strong Guyanese were able to raise their flag at Bowling Green. Your flag is now raised at Bowling Green, where we celebrate the independence of what your country stands for. The symbolism is just as important as the substantive things you do because you have to tell the diversity of the city that everyone is invited, everyone is united, everyone is part of what makes this city great. 

We have the best product going, and this is the country where you can love your motherland and embrace your adopted land. That's why that dash is between the names of being Guyanese-American, because you still love the beautiful country of Guyana, but you embrace your adopted land that we call America. That's who makes us [who] we are and what we are. 

So, I thank you for coming out tonight. Let's continue to celebrate the rich Guyanese culture, food, clothing, dance, music. You believe in family, you believe in faith, you believe in business, and you believe in public safety. And our law enforcement officers that are here, that are representing you, they're the ambassadors of what's great about this city. We want to celebrate our five honorees. So, I want to bring up our favorite Guyanese, Sookranie. Come on up here and give our honorees their awards.

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