Excelsior – E Pluribus Unum
Caribbean Life, April 10-16, 2020 11
—A huge shout out to New
Yorkers.
‘Nuff thanks to state and city
leaders who have attempted to
provide pertinent updates and
the most concise information
residents can benefit from.
And the biggest praise of all is
extended to the brave soldiers on
the frontline — first responders
and essential workers.
Kudos and virtual hugs to
doctors, nurses, police officers,
firefighters, bus and subway
operators and technicians, postal
workers, supermarket, grocery
stores and bodega workers, restaurant
workers, pharmacists
and their assists, maintenance
workers, sanitation workers,
porters, generous corporations
donating surgical supplies and
all the intrepid New Yorkers
sacrificing to keep New Yorkers
safe.
Their selfless contribution
can never be repaid but will forever
be an indebted gratitude
that will remain indelible in our
hearts and minds.
Governor Andrew Cuomo
recently offered uplifting words
to residents here invoking the
Excelsior seal that defines the
spirit of New Yorkers to “Aim
High.”
It is a tenet familiar to alums
of my Jamaica Excelsior High
School which has always instilled
a motto for inspiration and pride
in the Kingston-based educational
institution.
The leader of NY state also
touted the nation’s E Pluribus
Unum, the Latin phrase which
translates to Out Of Many One,
a motto Jamaica adopted in 1962
when the island embarked on
self-governance.
“We are one, out of many’ has
always resonated with association
to “One Love” and according
to the state leader if we apply the
Excelsior motto to aim high, “we
will get through this.”
As we watch broadcast journalists
in the danger zones toiling
to inform us, they must
know that gratitude lauds their
effort to keep us out of harm’s
way.K
nowing that each step they
take into the unknown they are
also risking the safety of their
families and loved ones.
Thank you all.
Going forward we must have
a better appreciation of nail, spa
and beauty salon operators, curbside
food operators, fruit vendors,
cashiers at supermarkets, bodegas
and Dollar Tree discount
stores, cooks, bakers, doormen,
postal workers, news media outlets,
comedians, prayer-line proponents,
grave diggers, delivery
personnel, sensitive landlords
and other selfless workers.
The shutdown is giving pause
to appreciate the blooms of
spring, the birds, pets — dogs
and cats, human kindness and
the value of volunteerism.
Last week, 20,000 medical
professionals volunteered to
help the city’s pressing demand.
Retired doctors and nurses
among them.
Since March 11, each siren
that breaks the silence of the
state of emergency has resonated
for a moment for prayer and
reflection.
To my loyal readers, use the
time to express love to family
and contacts — reach out and
touch.
As for this insider, each new
day offers an opportunity to
attempt an act of kindness or
make a positive contribution to
the society.
Today, I will make a Thank
You sign to place in the hallways
of my apartment building where
COVID-19 staked claim to some
of my neighbors.
Although far from being a
crafter tomorrow I intend to use
the fabric from my favorite red
bed sheet to shape a heart that
hopefully will lift the spirits of
neighbors or those glimpsing
from the trains or buses.
Catch You On The Inside!
Inside Life
By Vinette K. Pryce
LET US BE YOUR
"DESIGNATED
REPRESENTATIVE "
AND
HAVE THE RESPONSIBLE INSURANCE
COMPANY PAY TO REPAIR YOUR CAR TO
FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS AND 'DELIVER
IT TO YOU WITH THAT NEW CAR
SHOWROOM LOOK WHILE DRIVING AN
IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT CAR RENTAL
A short drive thru the Battery Tunnel from Manhattan