[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6510]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO LYSTRA MOORE-BESSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor of Lystra Moore-Besson in 
recognition of her contribution to her family and her community.
  Lystra was born to Henry and Alice Moore in Trinidad & Tobago. She 
immigrated to the United States in 1975 to further her education. In 
1980 she graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Science 
Degree in Accounting. After graduation, she pursued a career in 
banking. She is presently Vice-President and Branch Manager of HSBC 
Bank USA and holds her securities licenses from NASD.
  During her twenty years in banking, she has received several awards 
including the ``Chairman's Award for Sales Excellence'' at HSBC Bank 
USA. She also sits on the African American Diversity Sub-Committee for 
Mentoring and Career Development. Throughout her banking career, she 
has mentored employees and neighborhood youth, both personally and 
professionally.
  Lystra is deeply involved in her community. She has been a member of 
the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club since 1995. She was elected Treasurer 
in her first year, a position she still holds. She also serves on the 
Board of Directors and is the funding co-advisor of the Brooklyn 
Canarsie Leos Club, which lends its support to the Guide Dog Foundation 
and the Vacation Camp for the Blind. She is on the Board of Directors 
of Canarsie By Choice and has supported the Juvenile Diabetes 
Foundation, National Conference for Community Justice, and National 
Association for Breast Cancer.
  Lystra has also lent her banking expertise to the community through 
various financial seminars in credit, insurance, investment, and 
homeowners' information. Small businesses have also benefited from her 
personal counseling and expertise. Lystra has also participated in 
several civic causes, working with the Office of Senator John Sampson 
and helping to elect Hillary Rodham Clinton to the Senate.
  Lystra is married to Ian Besson. They have three daughters Habika 
Zwena, Zakiya, and Tabia, and a grandaughter Lystra Daniella.
  Mr. Speaker, Lystra Moore-Besson is devoted to serving her community. 
As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our recognition. I hope 
that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly 
remarkable woman.

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