[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E973-E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2012

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Caribbean American 
Heritage Month. The area I represent, the 17th District in New York, 
which comprises areas of the Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland Counties, 
is home to a significant Caribbean American population that contributes 
to our State through local businesses, community development and its 
rich diversity. It has been an honor to learn about the various 
countries in the Caribbean from where these families come, to 
experience their cultures, and to observe as they participate fully in 
all aspects of American society.
  My support for Caribbean Americans extends well past the boundaries 
of my district.

[[Page E974]]

As the Ranking Member and former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on 
the Western Hemisphere, I have visited many Caribbean countries and 
have learned the importance of the region to the United States and the 
entire Western Hemisphere. In fact, last year I wrote an amendment, 
which passed the Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously, urging the 
State Department to place U.S. Embassies in five Caribbean countries 
that are without a permanent diplomatic post. I strongly believe that 
bolstering U.S.-Caribbean relations needs to be a priority, and opening 
these embassies would benefit U.S. ties with the entire region. I also 
had the honor of joining President Obama earlier this year at the 
Summit of the Americas where we reinforced our dedication to the 
Caribbean and, last year, had the unique experience of traveling with a 
delegation of Caribbean ministers to Israel.
  My time spent with my Caribbean American constituents and in the 
great countries that make up the Caribbean has helped me to truly 
appreciate the influence of Caribbean culture on the U.S. This June, I 
am pleased to take this opportunity to commemorate Caribbean Americans 
Heritage Month, and look forward to a future of working closely with 
the Caribbean American community ensure positive cross-cultural 
relations.

                          ____________________