By Kristen Guglielmo
New plaques unveiled at A train station honor the neighborhood’s rich culture
Two plaques bearing the inscription “Welcome to Little Guyana” were unveiled last Friday at the Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd. A Train station in South Richmond Hill, in tribute to the neighborhood’s vast Guyanese population and vibrant culture.
The initiative to install the plaques was spearheaded by the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club, who enlisted the support of state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven). Addabbo then recommended the installation to the MTA, which crafted the plaques to withstand environmental elements, making sure they will endure for years to come.
Located in the station’s mezzanine on both sides of the station booth, the plaques are strategically placed for the nearly 27,000 daily riders to appreciate.
The signs’ installation coincides with Holi, a joyous celebration of light, color and spring observed by the Guyanese-American community and the wider Indian diaspora.
Among the attendees at the unveiling were Romeo Hitlall, president of the South Ozone Park-Richmond Hill Lions Club, Addabbo, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows), MTA New York City Transit Department of Subways Senior Vice President Demetrius Crichlow and Capt. Berkley VanTull, the commanding officer of the NYPD 106th Precinct.
“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,” Crichlow said in an MTA press release. “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.”
Crichlow told attendees that while the station’s name is unchanged, conductors will be encouraged to acknowledge Little Guyana when arriving at the station.
“That is one thing we will be encouraging our conductors to do — show some love for Little Guyana,” he said.
“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,” Addabbo said. “These plaques serve as a symbol of unity and recognition of the vibrant culture that adds so much to the fabric of our diverse city. Let us continue to embrace and honor the traditions and positive contributions of our Guyanese neighbors in ‘Little Guyana’ and beyond. As we work on addressing the serious issues facing our residents these days, the unveiling of these signs spreads much needed happiness and creates a positive feeling for this community.”
“I am deeply honored to witness the installation of signage welcoming visitors to ‘Little Guyana’ at the Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd Station train station,” Hitlall said in the MTA’s press release. “This initiative is a testament to our community’s rich tapestry of cultures and serves as a symbol of inclusivity and diversity.”
Link to story: https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/mta-installs-signs-to-honor-little-guyana/article_be951772-75d4-5ccb-a120-6b449012ea33.html