Last Sunday, Sept. 9, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, delivered a heartfelt message, at a Service of Thanksgiving, saying she was touched and blessed to have met “the elegant, sophisticated, very intellectually gifted, Dr. Donna Hunte-Cox, Barbados Consul General to New York, who had come from the beautiful island nation of Barbados.
Dr. Hunte-Cox who was honored at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn where she worshiped the past four years, was called a majestic CG, who, brought her own charisma, to the position, and dedicated her tenure uplifting everyone, especially youth, to reach their highest potential, stressing the importance of education.
“I am happy to join in this wonderful celebration of the dedicated tenacious Hon. Donna Hunte Cox, and to give honor to this church’s leadership, Rev Eddie Alleyne, who for almost five years, has been fortunate to have Hon. Hunte Cox, who represents the people of Barbados, Barbadian-American, as their consul general in New York — with the largest population of Barbadian immigrants in the nation,” said Congresswoman Clarke.
“It has been my distinct honor and pleasure and privilege to work alongside Donna,” added Clarke, who quipped that politicians have a hectic schedule, but Hunte-Cox had her (Clarke) beat, since the consul general was always present at every function, or circumstance in the community, and took her mission seriously.
“She represented the ‘Bajan’ community well, and was such a bright light in the room, that everyone recognized the CG, the gentle lady from Barbados. I assure you consul general your favors have reaped many benefits. Bajan residents in the ninth Congressional District and the greater community, thanks you for your service. We are lifted a little bit higher because you have crossed our paths; your chemistry has blended with our chemistry. We can always say there is a woman named Hon. Donna Hunte-Cox who made the community stronger, because you served it selflessly,” said Clarke, adding that the Counselor Corps, because of what she put out, loved the consul general.
“As the Jamaicans say, One Love, Bless Up, and “walk good,” added Clarke, who presented the diplomat with a Congressional Proclamation for her outstanding work in the community.
Hunte-Cox, whose tenure ends Sept. 30, 2018, received outpouring of tributes from clergy present, from Boston, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Barbara Atherly said she would always be indebted to the attaché for her patience, willingness, and the part she played in molding her journey, after they met in 2016.
Sandra Chapman, chief program officer, on behalf of Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, and all Brooklyn residents, presented the diplomat with a citation for her humanitarian service and for her positive impact in the community.
Justice Hinds-Radix, the highest-ranking Barbadian-born judge in New York, hailed the diplomat as a fierce advocate for Barbados and the Caribbean. She said Hunte-Cox served with dignity and respect, “she grew into her own niche. She also made sure younger Barbadians learned their culture.”
State Senator Jessie Hamilton presented the diplomat with a citation for exemplary service to community and state, while newly appointed Consul to New York, John Blackman, Sheik Mohamed Shaffieq, and Sandra Taitt-Eaddy, praised the diplomat for her work.
Newly appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the UN, H. Elizabeth Thompson, lauded Hunte-Cox for her contributions, stating she had never met the attaché, since she was a member of a different political organization, but wished Hunte-Cox well, and called on Barbadians to work together for the betterment of their homeland.
Guyanese-American baritone, Anthony Alleyne rendered a bellowing performance, while ‘Empress of Poetry’ Caroline Layne honored Hunte-Cox, with “Beautiful Barbados.”
Emotional at times, Hunte-Cox thanked her mother, Catherine and her father (deceased) for her sterling upbringing, and her husband and daughter for allowing her the opportunity to serve in many capacities away from her homeland.
Hunt-Cox, who was described as a good cook, said “it is a privilege to hear what people have to say about you while you are alive,” adding that it was awe-inspiring to serve her country for four years, and thanked the government of Barbados, reflecting on her part in the country’s historic 50th Anniversary of Independence celebration in New York.
The Washington University Scholar and UNESCO Fellow, said it is a privilege to serve, “but it is up to us to serve with distinction.”
Her parting words, quoted poet William Penn – “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now.” Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
