[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E902-E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PANAMANIANS HONOR DR. MARCO A. MASON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Marco A. 
Mason for all that he has done for the Panamanian community here and 
abroad. A distinguished academic, Dr. Mason has been directly involved 
in the community through various educational services and youth 
development for many years. He is very deserving of the honor being 
given to him.
  Due to the fact that Dr. Mason has remained committed to the 
community for so long, The Panama Canal International Alumni 
Association Inc. (PCIAA) and The Panamanian American Community Center 
honored him for Distinguished Community Service at their fourth annual 
Spring Dinner Dance and Distinguished Awards Presentation, held at 
Crystal Manor in Brooklyn, New York.
  Dr. Mason is also a medical sociologist and serves as an assistant 
professor of social and behavioral sciences at Medgar Evers College in 
New York City. He is also a member of an array of associations and 
councils including being a charter member of the Caribbean Women's 
Health Association (CWHA), the Caribbean American Medical and the 
Scientific Association, the Caribbean American Social Workers 
Association as well as various other community action groups.
  An academic at heart, Dr. Mason's primary field of study includes 
very pertinent topics such as the impact of United States immigration 
policy on ethnic communities, and the delivery of culturally competent 
health services to ethnic groups. He is well versed in his field and 
has written extensively on the subject.
  He has contributed so much to not only the Panamanian people in the 
United States, but to those at home, too. Former New York State Senator 
Dr. Waldaba Stewart, who currently heads the Diaspora Research and 
Development Center presented the award to Dr. Mason and he noted that, 
``under Dr. Mason's leadership for the past two decades, facilitate the 
growth of CWHA to become a noted urban problem solver that creates 
innovative solutions to community issues with a focus on breaking the 
cycle of poverty''.
  Dr. Stewart makes it clear that Dr. Mason knows what it takes to keep 
one's community strong for future generations, and it starts with as 
Dr. Stewart points out, ``grassroots initiatives''.
  I enter into the Record with great admiration the article published 
in New York's CaribNews for its recognition of such a true 
humanitarian. Dr. Mason without a doubt is deserving of the 
acknowledgment for all that he has done over the years. He should be 
recognized for his commitment to the fundamental belief that changes 
start at home in the community and he did his best to make others see 
just how much power they really had.

                  Panamanians Honor Dr. Marco A. Mason

       The Panama Canal International Alumni Association Inc. 
     (PCIAA) and The Panamanian American Community Center Inc., 
     recently honored Dr. Marco A. Mason, for Distinguished 
     Community Service. At their Fourth Annual Spring Dinner Dance 
     and Distinguished Awards Presentation, held at Crystal Manor 
     in Brooklyn, New York.
       Dr. Mason is a Medical Sociologist. He serves as an 
     Assistant Professor in the Department of Social and 
     Behavioral Sciences, at Medgar Evers College. He is the 
     President of the Panamanian Council of New York Inc. He is 
     also a charter member of the Caribbean Women's Health 
     Association (CWHA) the Caribbean American Medical and the 
     Scientific Association, the Caribbean American Social Workers 
     Association, among other community and professional 
     organizations.
       Dr. Mason also serves as a consultant to a number of 
     private, community, public and international sector 
     organizations. He is accredited to practice Immigration Law.
       His principal scholarly interests include: U.S. Immigration 
     Policy Impact on Ethnic Communities, and the Delivery of 
     Culturally Competent Health Services to Ethnic Groups. He has 
     written extensively on these topics.
       He has a Doctorate in Social Welfare (Immigration and 
     Health Policy) from the Graduate Center of the City 
     University of New York.
       Former New York State Senator Dr. Waldaba Stewart, head of 
     the Diaspora Research and Development Center, presented the 
     award to Dr. Mason and lauded Dr. Mason's solid track record 
     in the Panamanian community at home and abroad.
       He also stated that, under Dr. Mason's leadership for the 
     past two decades, facilitate the growth of CWHA to become a 
     noted urban problem that creates innovative solutions to 
     community issues with a focus on breaking the cycle of 
     poverty through building diverse partnership and grassroots 
     leadership initiatives.
       CWHA has concentrated its efforts on a variety of issues: 
     Immigration, Youth Development, Public Health, Welfare 
     Reform, Economic Revitalization and Community Empowerment.
       Ms. Laura Thomas James, PCIAA's President stated that, 
     PCIAA's objective is to keep the Panamanian Antillean culture 
     and heritage alive and pass it on to future generation 
     through cultural, educational, and social programs. She also 
     stated that Panamanian American Community Center is a non-
     profit information and referral service that provides 
     services to approximately 500

[[Page E903]]

     social support family, immigration, health, housing, legal, 
     emergency shelter, child care, education, employment, 
     cultural, citizenship and youth services. She also said that, 
     this gathering of the finest women and men in our community 
     allows us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding 
     services and accomplishments of outstanding members of our 
     community.
       They deserve our best wishes and congratulations. In 
     addition to Dr. Mason, other awardees include: Club El 
     Pacifico, Inc., Ms. Petrona Pet Honeywell, Ms. Gloria A. 
     Spencer Morgan, The Rev. Frank Elcock and Mr. William Ben 
     Townsend.

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