Community salutes Sandra Chapman on retirement
By Nelson A. King
Brooklyn Borough Hall
was packed to capacity Friday
evening as the Brooklyn community
celebrated the retirement
of former Deputy Brooklyn
Borough President Sandra
Chapman after 35 years of city
service.
The Guyanese-born Chapman
– who served under three
Brooklyn Borough Presidents
– Howard Golden, Marty
Markowitz and Eric Adams, in
that order – was Deputy Brooklyn
Borough President under
Markowitz and Program Officer
under Adams.
An almost Who’s Who in
Brooklyn politics, as well as
prominent community figures
and organizations, and Chapman’s
family, were on hand
for the gala salute, showering
praise after praise on Chapman.
“We really appreciate you,”
said Adams in a video presentation
in which Borough Hall
employees lauded Chapman
for her strong work ethic, and
infectious and caring personality.
“You’re really a steady hand,”
added Adams, who collaborated
with Golden and Markowitz in
giving Chapman a Brooklyn
Borough Hall Proclamation.
“It’s a better city, a better borough
Caribbean L 8 ife, January 17-23, 2020
(because of Chapman’s
efforts).”
One former co-worker
described Chapman, who
migrated to Brooklyn from
Guyana at 16, after graduating
from high school, as “the
epitome of style and grace.”
Incumbent Deputy Brooklyn
Borough President Ingrid
P. Lewis-Martin, who served
as Mistress of Ceremonies,
said: “Anyone who knows Sandra
(Chapman) knows she’s an
amazing person.”
Former New York City Councilmember
Dr. Una S.T. Clarke
said: “We all grew up with Sandra
at St. Gabriel’s (Episcopal
Church on Hawthorne Street
in Brooklyn.).
“We’re grateful for such
graceful public servant,” added
Clarke’s daughter, Congresswoman
Yvette D. Clarke, before
giving Chapman a Congressional
Citation.
Dr. Roy Hastick, the Grenadian
born founder and president
of the Brooklyn-based
Caribbean American Chamber
of Commerce and Industry
(CACCI), said he was introduced
to Chapman by Golden.
“What is amazing to see the
continuity of democracy in
action and that someone of
Caribbean descent was respected
throughout the borough,”
he said, telling Chapman that
she was not retiring but “transitioning
into a new life.
“While you start your business,
we’ll like to have you
back,” Hastick added.
Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams (left) presents proclamation to Sandra Chapman,
fl anked by L-R: Former Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, Deputy Brooklyn
Borough President, Ingrid P.Lewis-Martin and former Borough Hall chief-of-staff, Carlo A.
Scissura, Esq. Photo by Nelson A. King
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