Grenadian Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr, who founded the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), died on Thursday, April 9, 2020, in a New York Hospital. Hastick passed away from complications of the deadly virus, COVID-19.

Hastick, who is from the parish of St David, migrated to the United States in 1972 and worked for several years as an administrator, community advocate, entrepreneur, and newspaper publisher. As president and CEO of the CACCI for 30 years, Hastick’s Chamber assisted several small businesses.

Beth L. Goldberg, NY District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration said, “I have personally known Roy for decades, when then Borough President Howard Golden, asked me to help the dashing and quick-witted Roy develop a bi-lateral Chamber of Commerce. Roy was a mentee, a friend, a cheerleader, and a powerhouse in the New York political scene, Washington and the United Nations. I will miss his positive energy, his graciousness and his wisdom. Rest in peace, Roy.”

Borough President Eric Adams and his Deputy, Ingrid Lewis-Martin issued a joint statement on Hastick’s passing: “It is with profound sadness and a huge sense of loss that we and all of Brooklyn mourn the passing of Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., president and founder of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CACCI). Dr. Hastick’s longstanding commitment to representing the interests of Caribbean people and business at the Brooklyn, New York City, and New York State levels, and his steadfast endeavors to strengthen commercial links between the Caribbean and the Diaspora is unparalleled, and will not soon be forgotten. I will cherish the decades-long collaboration and friendship that he and I shared. May he rest in eternal and well-deserved peace.”

Amongst the outpouring of condolences on Twitter, NY’s Attorney General, Leticia “Tish” James said, “Today New York’s Caribbean community lost a cherished leader. Dr. Roy Hastick founded the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and committed his life to helping the Brooklyn community. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. May he Rest In Peace.”

Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., New York City Council Member for the 36th District, representing Bedford-Stuyvesant and northern Crown Heights in Brooklyn, said, “In my prayers, family & loved ones of Dr. Roy Hastick, Sr. who passed today. As founder & president of the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he helped connect countless entrepreneurs. Helping others reach their dreams is a magnificent gift to give to our community. Rest In Peace.”

NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (SD-19), issued this statement, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr., Founder, President and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). Uncle Roy, as we affectionately called him, was a mentor to many of us. He wanted to ensure that we excelled in whatever we did. He wanted Caribbean people to be proud of their heritage and to showcase it.

We must all continue to keep his legacy alive. In February, he told me that we needed to discuss a trip to Guyana, something that he had been asking for many years. My condolences to his wife, Dr. Eda Hastick and his children. May we all remember Uncle Roy with love in our hearts.”

In an interview with a local publication a few years ago, Hastick discussed his vision and legacy. Hastick was looking forward to CACCI creating a Caribbean trade center that would hopefully expand to include affordable housing and a museum/community space for the Caribbean-American community. Speaking on his legacy, “if there’s one thing I want [the next generation] to do is to take advantage of the opportunity that exists in this great land, city, and borough,” he said. “We still have a long way to go, making sure not only that Caribbean Americans, but also all of our partners and other organizations in commerce, have an opportunity.”

Hastick is survived by his wife Dr. Eda F. Harris-Hastick, four children, and grandchildren. Caribbean American Weekly expresses our sincere condolences to his immediate family, CACCI family, friends, and supporters. May this Caribbean Star rest in peace.