Courts and Law Brooklyn Boro

Hispanic Heritage celebration becomes reflection on devastation of Puerto Rico

September 29, 2017 By Rob Abruzzese, Legal Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Kings County Family Court held its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Thursday. Pictured from left: Hon. Michael Yavinsky, supervising judge of the Criminal Court; Hon. Reinaldo Rivera; Hon. Alicea Elloras; Hon. Javier E. Vargas; Hon. Amanda White, supervising judge of the Family Court; Edwin Melendez; and John Coakley. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

The Kings County Family Court held its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Thursday. Pictured from left: Hon. Michael Yavinsky, supervising judge of the Criminal Court; Hon. Reinaldo Rivera; Hon. Alicea Elloras; Hon. Javier E. Vargas; Hon. Amanda White, supervising judge of the Family Court; Edwin Melendez; and John Coakley. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

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The annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is usually one of the brightest and festive days of the year at Brooklyn’s Family Court, but this year was different due to the recent devastation of hurricanes in the Caribbean and earthquakes in Mexico.

“We’re so happy to have so many of you here for this wonderful tribute to Hispanic-Americans, ‘Shaping the Future of America,’ however, it would be impossible to proceed today without reflecting on the devastation wreaked by the recent natural disasters throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, especially in Mexico City and Puerto Rico,” said Brooklyn Family Court Supervising Judge Amanda White.

In some ways, it was a typical Hispanic Heritage celebration. The room was colorfully decorated with Hispanic artwork and the flags all the U.S and all of the Latin countries. Deputy Clerk of Court John Coakley and White introduced everyone, Giselle Lalla performed the “Star Spangled Banner” and co-chairs of the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee Hon. Alicea Elloras and Hon. Javier E. Vargas gave remarks.

However, keynote speaker Edwin Melendez, a professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Hunter College and the director of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, set the tone by discussing the devastation in Puerto Rico that was still underway during his speech.

“Hurricane Maria is the worst storm that has hit that island in over 80 years, since 1928,” Melendez said. “At that time, that hurricane killed 300 people. This time, the death toll is lower, but make no mistake we are not out of the woods. There is flooding, contaminated waters, dead bodies of animals and from cemeteries floating around.”

“There is no electricity, 100 percent of the grid was wiped out, more than half of the houses don’t have running water, hospitals are running on generators and only have electricity for those most in need like infants in incubators,” Melendez continued. “The gas is being rationed and there isn’t enough to keep those generators running.”

Melendez explained that the federal government’s response in providing disaster relief in Puerto Rico has been so poor that it will likely cost more lives.

“It’s really terrible what’s happening in Puerto Rico and the response from our government has been grossly insufficient,” he said.

Melendez then called upon everyone in the room to urge their respective members of congress to act. He said that in addition to suspending the Jones Act for longer than 10 days, the country is going to need financial assistance to repair the infrastructure and emergency unemployment funds.

Following Melendez’s speech, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams addressed the room packed, which was filled with judges, court officers and other court personnel.

There was also a powerful performance by vocalist Aixa cruz-Falu, who is a court interpreter in Nassau County, and Tony Delgado, a retired captain from the Queens Criminal Court, who played piano. Afterward, Marisol Ramirez performed a dance as part of the closing ceremonies.

The New York City courts are collecting supplies for disaster relief in Puerto Rico as well as for Mexico City. People are encouraged to bring first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, baby and adult diapers, bottled water and sealed baby food. They can be dropped off in lobbies of most court houses. Sgt. Irma Garcia is in charge of collection at 320 Jay St.

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