Wednesday night Aug. 10 will mark special festivities before the New York Mets take on San Diego at Citi Field. The Mets aren’t honoring any of the past or present players,, nor is anyone making any major announcements
Instead, the Mets and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. are joining together to hold Caribbean Heritage Night at Citi Field. There will be pre-game entertainment with music and dancing before game time. Spirit awards will be given out prior to the contest; and info tables will be displayed on the field level of the Concourse.
Through the efforts of President, Founder and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce Dr. Roy Hastick, and Matt Gulotta, account executive of the Mets, the Mets have been able to make the evening possible. Gulotta is the liaison between this organization and the Mets.
The CACCI is a statewide business organization that was incorporated in New York State in August of 1985 to provide business services to the small business community in the United States and Caribbean region.
All participants on Wednesday will receive a Mets Lanyard and Ticket Holder (with an advanced purchase through this offer) which can be redeemed at the Fan Assistance Booth located behind home plate on the field level concourse.
“Our goal is to get more Caribbeans to become members, to visit the Caribbeans and do business with the Caribbeans,” said Dr. Hastick.
The 61-year-old Hastick, who came from Grenada to the United States, had an idea about staging such a night some time ago. After the Mets agreed back in January, it finally came to happen.
Hastick, himself, is a follower of the sport of baseball.
“I like the way the Mets are playing,” Hastick told the Caribbean Life. “I follow Reyes (short stopper Jose) . He’s a good player. The Mets are an exciting team to watch. (By staging such a night) we have a good way to recognize the Caribbean community.”
Among the recipients of the Spirit Awards for contributions to the Caribbean Community include Vice President of Healthfirst George Hulse of Brooklyn, Radio Personality Bob Frederick of Brooklyn, Earl Alleyne of Brooklyn, Donovan Gopie of Brooklyn, Maalak Shabazz of Westchester County, Scott and Natashe Nigro of Long Island, and Dr. Eda Harris Hastick, wife of Dr. Roy Hastick, who has put in a lot of work to make this night possible.
They will receive their awards before the National League game.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the CACCI Educational Foundation, Inc. to assist with educational services and programs. Ten percent of all tickets sold will be rebated back to CACCI Foundation after the event is over on Wednesday night.
“We want our members, relatives and friends to come out and enjoy (themselves) seeing the Mets and San Diego play on Wednesday,” said Dr. Hastick.
