[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E424-E425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ROXANNE PERSAUD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Roxanne Persaud in 
recognition of her commitment to her community.
  Roxanne was born in Georgetown, Guyana. The eldest child of Kenrick 
and Yvonne Persaud, she immigrated to the United States after 
graduating from high school. Upon arriving in the United States, she 
immediately enrolled in an adult after school program. Currently, she 
holds degrees in Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in 
Education. Roxanne is in the process of completing her Master of 
Science Degree in Information Systems.
  In August 1984, Roxanne began a part-time job at Pace University's 
Undergraduate Registrar's office. With no previous background in this 
area, she set out to learn all of the functions and task of the office. 
Today, she is the Senior Degree Audit Coordinator.
  Roxanne is the Treasurer of the Organization for Social and Health 
Advancement in Guyana (OSHAG), a member of the 69th Precinct Community 
Council in Canarsie, Brooklyn, and an advisor for the Caribbean 
Students Association at Pace University, New York City campus. In 
addition, she is a member of the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club.
  In November 2002, Roxanne and members of OSHAG visited Guyana with a 
team of doctors representing Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn. 
Representatives from the American Cancer Society as well as HIV/AIDS 
specialists from representing Young Adult Institute were on the team. 
While in South America, the doctors conducted a medical workshop for 
Guyananese doctors on current cancer treatments and hosted a two-day 
conference for health care professionals, university students, and 
other members of the public. Throughout the trip, team members also 
provided other outreach services to the public as needed. Finally, the 
group cosponsored a cancer walk in collaboration with the Guyana Cancer 
Society. The team will be returning to Guyana again in 2003 to continue 
this mission.
  On March 30, 2003, Roxanne and the members of OSHAG in collaboration 
with a Volunteer Youth Corp in Guyana will be launching a Big Brother/
Big Sister mentoring initiative in Guyana. This will be the first of 
its kind in the South America region.
  In addition to volunteering, Roxanne enjoys traveling and reading 
when she finds the time. She is thankful for her parents, siblings, 
colleagues, and Henry and Josephine Bolus' support, which has been 
essential in helping her accomplish so much.
  Mr. Speaker, Roxanne Persaud is committed to community service and 
improving the lives of those in her own community and abroad. As such, 
she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge 
my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

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