Brooklyn, NY – Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, along with numerous supporters from the Haitian community including Haitian professionals, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, and religious groups are calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to postpone the designation of a "Little Caribbean," because the designation was able to move forward with very little community support.

For example, no meetings were held with the local elected officials including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, State Senator Kevin Parker, Assemblymember N. Nick Perry, Assemblymember Diana Richardson, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, and District Leaders Josue Pierre, Melba Brown, and Cory Provost, as well as the honorable Dr. Roy Hastick, who came up with the original idea. In addition, the local Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) are not entirely on board including the Flatbush and Church Avenue BIDs as well as Crown Heights merchants for similar reasons.

The support of the idea for the designation is welcome, but it has to be discussed with local community members, especially those that have the power to make the designation. Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams, the designating Councilmember, has decided to withdraw his support from the lead organization until more fruitful dialogue can occur.

The Haitian community and elected officials are also calling on the Mayor for his support for the establishment and designation for a "Little Haiti." Previously there have been conversations, between Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams and the Haitian community about the establishment of a "Little Haiti" in the neighborhood of Flatbush, which has had a foothold in the community for many years.

Haiti has had a unique position within the Caribbean – it is in the Caribbean, but not of the Caribbean. Although Haiti is geographically part of the Caribbean, the Haitian community has historically been singled out and excluded as a member of the greater Caribbean community, which is why Haitians have had to build separate communities and organizations in order to survive. "Little Haiti" exists, de facto, because when Haitians first moved to the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, they were isolated in part due to speaking French-Creole versus English, which is spoken by other Caribbean countries. Old wounds have been opened as the voices of the community and elected officials have not been engaged throughout the designation process. Although, the journey to unity has come a long way between island politics and differences, having both designations would be ideal to acknowledge the Haitian people's struggle. If all goes well, the designation of "Little Haiti" would be established first in order to be encapsulated within the designated area of the "Little Caribbean."

"The Haitian community supports the designation of both "Little Haiti" and "Little Caribbean," said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, the first Haitian-American to be elected to the State Legislature from New York City. “However, we were taken aback by the lack of engagement that has been shown to many of the elected officials and key stakeholders within the Haitian community throughout the overall process. Mayor de Blasio, more than any other Mayor in the history of New York City, has been the most supportive of the Haitian community. His dedication and support for the Caribbean immigrant community as a whole has been unmatched. This is why I know in my heart that, in the spirit of fairness, that he will express his support for the designation of both a "Little Haiti" and a "Little Caribbean."

For a copy of the letter to the Mayor please click here.