LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Derrick C. James upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Caribbean Man of the Year Award by
the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Derrick C. James upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Caribbean Man of the Year Award by the Neighborhood Technical
Assistance Clinic, to be celebrated at its 8th Annual Gala, on Tuesday,
June 16, 2015, at Giando on the Water, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The 2015 Gala is entitled "A Salute to New York City's
Nonprofits and the Neighborhoods They Serve: Promoting Wellness and
Health Neighborhoods", which will bring together the city's borough
Presidents as Honorary Chairs, as well as nonprofit organizations,
funders and supporters; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1998, the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic
(NTAC) strengthens partnerships between communities and philanthropies;
its services build the capacity of New York City community-based and
faith-based organizations serving low income and service-deprived neigh-
borhoods through ongoing assessments which identify human, financial and
other necessary resources; and
WHEREAS, NTAC's services include Funding and Grantmaking Assistance,
Project Assistance and Consultation, Board Strategy and Consultation,
Meet the Grantmakers, Grant Writing 101, Marketing Outreach and Special
Events, Staff/Volunteer Training, Speakers and Trainers, and Continuing
Education; and
WHEREAS, Born in the village of Beaulieu, St. George's, Grenada,
Derrick C. James attended St. George's Roman Catholic Boys' School and
then the Grenada Boys' Secondary School; and
WHEREAS, Derrick C. James migrated to the United States in 1987, and
earned his Bachelor's degree in Electro Mechanical Engineering Technolo-
gies at City College in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Derrick C. James was employed by IKON Office
Solutions for 19 years, where he was the recipient of numerous citations
and awards for excellence, which led to his promotion to a managerial
position; and
WHEREAS, From 2008-2012, Derrick C. James held the esteemed title of
Consul General of Grenada in New York City; throughout his tenure, he
established himself as a community-minded individual, who continues to
foster strong community building among Grenadians and friends of the
Tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Consul General, Derrick C. James routinely
visited hospitalized patients, supported bereaved families, and assisted
sick persons without adequate financial resources; he also represented
the interest of Grenada on a vast array of matters affecting the Diaspo-
ra community, including tourism relations, educational and cultural
services, economic and business development, and health and wellness
issues; and
WHEREAS, As the Chairman of the Grenada Disaster Committee of New
York, Derrick C. James helped coordinate tremendous amounts of relief
aid to assist citizens in Grenada who were affected by Hurricane Ivan in
September of 2004; and

WHEREAS, As a committed public servant, Derrick C. James initiated the
establishment of GRENCAP UNITED, an umbrella group for all Grenadian
organizations in the Tri-State area in New York City; in addition, in
August of 2009, he spearheaded the Grenada Day cultural celebration; and
WHEREAS, In January of 2010, Derrick C. James accompanied a team of
dental professionals from New York University School of Dentistry to
Grenada in conducting the first phase of a nationwide outreach oral
healthcare clinical program; the program was also extended to Carriacou
and Petite Martinique; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Derrick
C. James worked with his colleagues of the Caribbean Consular Corps and
GRENCAP UNITED to bring support and relief to communities affected by
the natural disaster; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Derrick C. James was appointed Ambassador of Humani-
tarian and Diaspora Affairs; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his daughter, who feels privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Derrick C. James upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Caribbean Man of the Year Award by the Neighborhood Technical
Assistance Clinic; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Derrick C. James.