Rosedale, NY: Jamaica Diaspora U.S. North East Advisory Board member Irwine G. Clare, Sr. OD recently announced his endorsement of Jamaican born Michael R. Duncan for the 31st Council District seat in New York.
The objective of the Advisory Board is to strengthen the linkages with the Jamaican Diaspora and to advise the Minister with responsibility for the Jamaican overseas community on matters relating to that community. The City Council election will be held on February 19, 2013 and will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Council Member James Sanders, Jr., who has accepted a seat in the New York State Senate.
"The candidacy of Michael Duncan is a positive development in the (continued) growth and influence of the Diaspora" Clare said.
"We are enhancing our profiles, strengthening our ties, all while expanding our footprint in our adopted homelands. Representation at all levels; the political, business and community landscapes, reaches beyond geographic boundaries and motivates all of us to be 'change-makers.' It signals to Jamaicans wherever we are that we believe in ourselves, the power of our actions and the difference we make when we get involved!"
Duncan, an engaging community leader with a big voice wants to be an agent of change that he says is woefully lacking in the 31st Council District community.
“It will be a new day for all the residents of the 31st Council District on February 19, 2013,” Mr. Duncan said. “It’s time to turn the page. It is time for a grassroots leader to take control of the district!”
Duncan, a Baruch College Accounting graduate, has lived in Queens for nearly eighteen years with his wife and kids and during that period he has managed the entire 31st Council district, initiating and promoting programs to enhance the quality of life in the communities. He has been a very active parent leader in the public school system, serving as PTA president at various schools.
Michael revived the Rosedale Soccer Club fifteen years ago, and a part of his mission for the club was to help build character through sports. He also founded the Federation of African, Caribbean and America Organization- FACAO - a non-profit organization whose chief objective is to develop the community and provide immigration services. Additionally, he developed a business model called 'Each One Support One' that promotes a harmonious relationship between local businesses and their neighborhoods. A critical part of this model is the generation of jobs to reduce unemployment.
In October 2012, the Rockaways was brutally ravaged by Hurricane Sandy. Thousands of homes were flattened, washed away or flooded. Within minutes the collective hope, dreams and aspirations of several working class American neighborhoods had become shattered due to the incredible power of Hurricane Sandy, one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the eastern shores of the United States in decades. But despite the dark clouds of despair, Duncan took it upon himself to find ways to ease the plight of the battered and bruised residents.
With the aid and assistance of community groups, churches, area companies, media houses, artists, local restaurants and a bunch of good Samaritans, Duncan created an event called CHRISTMAS IN THE ROCKAWAYS that was successful staged on Saturday, December 22, 2012. The event brought holiday cheer to over 600 needy residents in the area who received donations of clothing, food items, care packages, toys and other Christmas gifts.
If elected on February 19, Duncan says he will use the bigger platform of Council Member to intensify his campaign for a stronger, safer community. He also looks forward to working with the ethnic diversity that forms part of Queens and he is convinced that the challenging times that we are living in will bring new opportunities for the future for all of New York City.
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