Borough President Welcomes the Governor and Guests of the Caribbean AmericanOn August 14th, Marty welcomed Governor George Pataki and guests of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) to Borough Hall for CACCI's Seventeenth Anniversary Membership Drive and Business Networking Reception. "Since 1985, the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Roy Hastick, has promoted economic development in Brooklyn and has been instrumental in the success of many new enterprises," said the BP. "The Caribbean American Chamber has helped level the field of economic opportunity in the borough and helped innumerable businesses take off and succeed. That's a good thing for any community and it's a great thing for Brooklyn."Historic Promotion

On August 14th, Marty attended the induction ceremony for Justice Reinaldo Rivera, who is the first Latino to sit on the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court. "Justice Rivera, you make the people of Brooklyn, and particularly the Latino community proud. Through your outstanding career and community service you continue to break down cultural barriers that will inspire and open doors for future generations. I am proud to join you today to congratulate you and wish you every success as you embark on this new responsibility," said the BP. A native of Santurce, Puerto Rico, Judge Rivera practiced law in Williamsburg for over fourteen years and served as a judge in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Criminal Term for nine years, beginning in January of 1992.On August 16th, the BP visited the Mosque Mosjidul Aman and spoke out against the senseless murder last week of Mizanur Rahman, who was killed last week walking home from work. "I know of Mizanur Rahman only by his reputation as a hard working father and husband, a good friend, and a renowned photographer in his home country. But I join you in mourning the loss of this good man, and in conveying our anger and sadness at his murder to his wife and son, and to his other loved ones here and in Bangladesh. When a senseless act of murder is committed, it affects us all and we must respond as one. As a life-long resident of Brooklyn, I am angry and ashamed that this despicable act was committed here in my hometown. And as your borough president, I am also determined that this tragedy will end here. Such a situation will not be tolerated in Brooklyn, where we honor our diversity and proudly welcome new residents from all the nations of the world. I want to commend and thank the witnesses whose identification led to the arrest of two suspects in Mr. Rahman's murder. I also want to thank and praise the police for their swift response and excellent detective work within the community. And I want to say to everyone here that this neighborhood belongs to all of its residents, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or how long you have lived in Brooklyn. If there are tensions between different groups of people here, or in any Brooklyn neighborhood that need to be addressed, we will address them. I will personally make myself available if there are issues that I am needed to help resolve. But we will not fight each other or kill each other over our differences." Life Begins at 40 For Brooklyn Singles at Beach Bash!

On August 18th, Marty hosted Brooklyn's ultimate beach bash for hundreds of single Brooklynites 40 and over at the Kingsborough Community College beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in New York City. "I know how hard it is to meet people. I am the perfect example of why it is never too late in life to meet that special person. It took me 54 and a half years to meet my wife so you never know what might happen!" Marty said. Everybody had a great time in this spectacular setting. Marty met his wife Jamie on this same beach three years ago, so we'll keep you posted if this same magic strikes again.The 24th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series finale is August 22nd at 7:30pm at Seaside Park at 5th Street and Surf Avenue in Brighton Beach, across the street from the New York Aquarium. Don't miss the annual Salsa By The Sea night - featuring the best of Latin music with Victor Manuelle, Michael Stuart and Millie Quezada. The public can bring their own chairs or they can be rented for $5 per chair. Call the concert hotline for updates on either concert at 718-469-1912 or 718-802-3700. And you don't have to worry about spending a fortune on tickets because these concerts are FREE!If your Brooklyn organization is looking for any volunteers, please send us an e-mail with a description of your organization, contact information and what kinds of volunteers you are looking for to: volunteers@brooklynbp.org. We'll try to send Brooklynites looking to volunteer along to your organization.r Only In Brooklyn

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