US President Proclaims June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, DC – United States President Joe Biden has proclaimed June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, stating that, during the month, America will celebrate the contributions and the diverse cultures of the millions of people across the country with Caribbean heritage, “who have never let us walk away from our nation’s most sacred values of opportunity and freedom.”
“Caribbean-Americans are dreamers and doers, always finding ways to push our country forward, reach new heights, and forge a more perfect Union,” said Biden in a White House Proclamation.
“From the Caribbean-Americans who helped build our country from the ground up to those who have only just arrived, they have all believed in the possibilities our country has to offer and strengthened the diverse fabric of our Nation.
“Above all, Caribbean-Americans are leaders — they are our beloved doctors, nurses, teachers, athletes, artists, community organizers, entrepreneurs, and our service members and first responders, who put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe,” he added, stating that he was “especially proud of the Caribbean-Americans serving across” his administration and who are “working hard to sustain our democracy — including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.”
Biden said his administration recognizes that, to keep the torch of liberty that has led generations of immigrants to America burning bright, “we must keep ensuring that everyone has a fair shot and access to opportunity.
“And we are delivering,” he declared. “My administration has powered a historic economic recovery that created 15 million jobs, achieved the fastest creation rate of Black-owned businesses in more than 30 years, and broke records as Latino entrepreneurs have started new businesses at the fastest rate in over 10 years.”
The US President said Caribbean-Americans also form the foundation of America’s partnerships with nations across the Caribbean, “as we work to advance opportunity and security across the region.”
He noted that his administration announced over US$275 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for projects in the US Virgin Islands that will deliver clean and safe water, access to high-speed internet, public transit, and modern roads and bridges.
He said his administration also launched the Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue and made more than US$140 billion in Federal obligations, which have driven the island’s economic turnaround.
Since he came into office, Biden said `Puerto Rico has added more than 100,000 new jobs and unemployment reached a historic low of under six percent.
He added that the administration is continuing to work with Caribbean countries to tackle climate change and support clean energy development.
In partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), he said his administration launched the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit to combat firearms trafficking.
Last summer, Biden said his administration appointed a coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions “to lead our efforts to stem firearms trafficking in the Caribbean.”
Meanwhile, he said his administration has been working with CARICOM to restore stability and security in Haiti by facilitating “meaningful and inclusive political dialogue and supporting the deployment of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission.”
“We must complement our security investments with economic support,” Biden said. “This is why my administration supports the reauthorization of the HOPE/HELP trade preferences program in order to spur greater economic prosperity in Haiti.”
At the same time, he said he has been working since day one of his administration “to fix the broken immigration system, so that it is safe, orderly, and humane — especially for those in the Caribbean community who are fleeing oppressive rule and trying to escape gang violence to ensure a better life for them and their families.”
In addition, Biden said his administration is working to expand lawful pathways to the United States for Caribbean individuals and establish a faster process for deciding claims of asylum for people who are credibly seeking protection from persecution.
“My administration will continue to do everything we can, including calling on the Congress to finally act and pass critical resources and reforms,” he said.
Biden said America was founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives.
He said “that promise beats in the hearts of all Caribbean-Americans, who have added new meaning to our Nation’s founding values.
“That idea is what connects us to all the Caribbean nations and territories working toward a future rooted in freedom and democracy,” Biden said. “This month, may we celebrate all that Caribbean heritage, history, and contributions have meant to our Nation.”
