[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 82 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1281]]


                      A TRIBUTE TO RAQUEL SHIVDAT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 20, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding leader, 
Raquel Shivdat.
  Ms. Shivdat may not have a very visible personality, but behind the 
scenes she is one of the biggest influences in the explosion of 
Caribbean music entertainment in New York City. As Promotion and 
Marketing manager of the JMC Entertainment Inc. (which includes JMC 
records, JMC Trevini band and Rum Jungle Bar and Restaurant), Ms. 
Shivdat's responsibilities range from the promotion of shows to the 
management of music recordings. After more than twelve years in the 
entertainment industry, Ms. Shivdat has become a defining force.
  Ms. Shivdat rose through the ranks in the family's business, starting 
as flyer designer at JMC Records and later working at the family's Roti 
Express diner. Additionally, Ms. Shivdat managed to pursue a degree in 
Fashion Marketing at Berkeley College in New Jersey, while managing her 
household as a wife and mother of two boys, Tyler and Shane.
  At Rum Jungle, Ms. Shivdat produces at least one concert every month 
involving artists from the West Indies. The biggest names in Soca and 
Chutney music are regular performers at the club. Ms. Shivdat also 
brought the legendary Indian performers Babla and Kanchan to New York.
  Ms. Shivdat also makes regular contributions to charitable 
organizations and committee projects in New York and has done fund 
raisers at Rum Jungle for the Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago 
and Guyana.
  At 32 years old, Ms. Shivdat has become a key member of the JMC 
Company and she says that she always draws inspiration from her father 
Mohan Jaikairan who owns the business.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Shivdat, a wife, mother and entrepreneur, is both 
passionate about her chosen field of music and her community. Thus, we 
proudly recognize her today.

                          ____________________