On the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Caribbean-American legislators in New York paid tributes to the victims of the attack.

“Today, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and reaffirm our promise to never forget,” New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, told Caribbean Life on Thursday, Sept. 11.

“Twenty-four years later, the pain of that day still resonates deeply across our city and our nation,” added Bichotte Hermelyn, who is the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “Our remembrance must also extend to the countless first responders, recovery workers, and service members who rushed to Ground Zero without hesitation. 

“Many continue to battle life-threatening illnesses linked to their bravery in the days, weeks, and months that followed,” she continued.  

While time has passed, Bichotte Hermelyn said the events of September 11 “remain etched in our hearts and minds. 

“We stand in unity with the families who continue to grieve, and we honor the resilience of New Yorkers who turned unimaginable tragedy into strength, solidarity, and hope,” she said. 

“As we reflect, let us also recommit ourselves to the values that carried us through those dark days — compassion for our neighbors, care for those still suffering, and an unwavering dedication to peace and unity,” Bichotte Hermelyn urged.  

“To the heroes we lost, and to those who continue to serve and sacrifice: we owe you a debt that can never be repaid,” the assemblywoman continued. “The greatest tribute we can offer is to live in the spirit of your courage — lifting each other up, safeguarding our democracy, and building a future rooted in unity and resilience.” 

On the anniversary of the attacks, Bichotte Hermelyn’s Assembly colleague, Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, visited the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Brooklyn South 67th Precinct in remembrance of 911. 

“Today, on the anniversary of September 11th, I invite you to join me and take time to pause to remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the brave first responders and everyday heroes who showed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy,” said Chandler-Waterman, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn.   

“Thousands of lives were taken, but, in the face of one of our nation’s darkest moments, we also witnessed the strength of our state and our country as we came together,” she added. “So many displayed compassion and resilience, which we still hold onto today.” 

Chandler-Waterman said she was also “humbled” to join community and fellow leaders to support those impacted by this occurrence at a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony with several organizations in Brooklyn, including the Marine Park Community Association, Bergen Beach Civic Organization, Madison-Homecrest Civic Association, New York City Parks Department, Mill Basin Civic Association, Millenium Development, Marine Park Alliance, the NYPD, and the New York City Fire Department. 

“I encourage everyone to continue to come together and support one another and our neighbors by lifting up unity and not division,” Chandler-Waterman urged. 

“Together, we can build a stronger community and nation,” she added. 

On Thursday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has signed legislation to expand access to resources and provide more opportunities for the families and loved ones of those who have been impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Hochul said that the package of bills will revive and strengthen the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force, bolster the pathway to public service for children and siblings of New York City sanitation workers who lost their lives due to exposure and cleanup after September 11th, and expedite the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process to ensure survivors are eligible to obtain vital benefits.

“The 9/11 terrorist attacks are events that we will never forget,” the governor said. “We must continue to honor the fallen heroes who put their lives on the line to protect New Yorkers, as well as their families who have been impacted by these horrific events.

“This legislation will give back to the families of 9/11 victims, ensuring they are supported by the state and their loved ones are forever remembered,” she added. 

Hochul signed several bills into law, starting with A.2123-A/S.1165-A, which provides children and siblings of NYC sanitation workers who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries additional civil service exam points for a position located in the municipality where their deceased parent or sibling served.

Another bill signed into law, legislation A.8417/S.8181, revitalizes the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force by requiring new appointments to the taskforce, setting a biannual meeting requirement, expanding areas of study, resetting the June deadline for the annual report and extending the provisions of the act until June 10, 2030.

Legislation S.4554-A/A.5458-A, which was also signed into law, expedites the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process by allowing the NYC Police Pension Fund to rely on a timely and properly filed Notice of Participation as requisite criteria for establish participation in rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations at the World Trade Center, unless an employer proves otherwise.

Michael Giacalone, a sanitation worker and the son of Ignazio Giacalone for whom the bill is named after, said, “I’m beyond grateful for the signing of the ‘Ignazio Giacalone Act.’ 

“I want to thank the governor, the NYS Assembly and Senate, Local 831 and 444, and NYS Assemblyman Berger. A very big thank you to Retired DSNY Supervisor Edward Panzarella,” he said. 

“This bill would not be where it is today without his efforts,” Giacalone added. “It is truly an honor to have this bill carry the name of my father.”

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said: “Today, on the solemn 24th anniversary of the tragic events that unfolded on Sept. 11, 2001, we honor the memories of the thousands of lives taken too soon, and we acknowledge the ongoing grief of their families and loved ones. 

“We must also continue to pay tribute to the first responders, rescue workers, and everyday New Yorkers who ran towards danger to save lives,” Speaker Adams urged. “Twenty-four years later, many are still suffering from life-threatening illnesses from being exposed to toxins, so we must continue to support them by ensuring they receive the care they deserve.”

Adams said that, this year, the Council passed a resolution to direct an investigation into what information New York City mayoral administrations knew about the environmental risks caused by the attacks at the World Trade Center site. 

“Through these continued commitment and efforts, we can honor their sacrifice and continue to heal from this tragedy,” she said.