Senate Resolution No. 403

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Bunji Garlin upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award
by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards
Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Bunji Garlin upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of an
Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial
Awards Program to be celebrated at the 18th Anniversary of the Young,
Gifted & Black Awards Program on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at
Terrace On The Park in Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2006 by President/CEO of the NetLinkz Group,
Inc., Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial
Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to reach levels of
great success through hard work and determination, proving to be
inspiring role models to their community and peers; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Young, Gifted & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Program acknowledges the talent, ambition, and
achievements of African American and Caribbean professionals towards
their continued pursuit of success; and

WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program
was launched in honor of Black History Month and shines a light on such
accomplished individuals as Bunji Garlin, who truly exemplifies an
entrepreneurial spirit; and

WHEREAS, Born in Sangre Grande and raised in the Borough of Arima,
Trinidad, Ian Alvarez, better known as Bunji Garlin, is a Trinidadian
artist and a vital part of the Soca movement; both a composer and
performer of Soca and Ragga Soca, he is a prolific lyricist who calls
himself the Lyrics King; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his exemplary career thus far, Bunji Garlin has
won numerous Soca competitions and released many award-winning songs,
one of which, "Differentology", became one of the NBA's arena anthems
and was featured on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy"; and

WHEREAS, Bunji Garlin has been the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his profession
and community; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife Fay-Ann Lyons, and
their daughter, Syri, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, This award recipient exemplifies the best of his community,
by virtue of his energy, vision, and dedication, commanding the greatest
respect among his friends and colleagues, and within the community at
large; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and
young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bunji Garlin upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial
Awards Program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bunji Garlin.