by Linda Straker
- Roy Hastick died today from Covid-19
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to Hastick in February 2020
- Caribbean Tourism Organisation awarded him “Distinguished Caribbean Citizen Award” in 2018
Grenadian Roy Hastick, who founded the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), has died. A victim of the Covid-19, Hastick died in a New York hospital on the morning of Thursday, 9 April 2020.
He is one of the dozens of Grenadians who have lost their lives from this coronavirus which has no known cure, and has affected more than one million and caused the death of thousands worldwide.
Only in February 2020, he was one of 4 business leaders that the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to for their role as outstanding business and community leaders.
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 helped put in place a structure that serves the small business community. CACCI assists people who want to start and grow their own businesses in a climate of unity among diverse cultures.
In 2018, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) presented the “Distinguished Caribbean Citizen Award” to him during a CACCI small business development power breakfast meeting. The honour was part of CTO’s Industry Awards given annually during Caribbean Week New York festivities.
“The Caribbean Tourism Organisation recognises Dr Roy Hastick for his longstanding commitment to representing the interests of Caribbean people at the New York City and State levels,” said Hugh Riley who was the Secretary-General for the organisation. “His steadfast endeavours to strengthen commercial links between the Caribbean and the region’s Diaspora are particularly worthy of commendation and for that reason, we have bestowed the Distinguished Caribbean Citizen Award on him.”
As president and CEO of CACCI, Hastick has helped grow the state-wide membership organisation to over 1,700 and provides expertise in providing business assistance to small start-up and emerging businesses in areas of business planning, financing, procurement, preparation for certification and business expansion, tourism and export/import opportunities.
CACCI’s extensive track record of service delivery includes sponsoring over 600 business networking meetings and establishing partnerships with the US government and private business entities.
Over the years, his organisation sponsored numerous trade missions to the Caribbean, convened business meetings and held briefing sessions on behalf of several Caribbean Heads of State including Prime Ministers of Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Barbados, Haiti, Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Chief Minister of Montserrat.
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Dr. Roy Hastic was a true patriot and legend. He was all about promoting Caribbean trade and empowering Caribbean business people. I had the privilege of working very closely with him during my stint ias Consul General.in New York. I must say it was a great experience.. He will be truly missed. Deepest condolences to his entire family. And associates. May the Almighty grant you the peace during this difficult time
What a legacy he leaves to my Sister-friend Wendy here in Rockville Maryland. Sending my condolences and sympathy to the Hestik family. My love and prayers to all.
Gloria White Gardner
Rockville Maryland and daughter
Kimberly A. Woodard
Washington DC
Oh! Will miss you GRANDPA , RIP. I love you sir. Will never forget all your encouraging words of wisdom and you assistance
My prayers go out to the Hastick family and all of Dr. Kastick’s friends. May he Rest In Peace. An awesome person with gravitas that moved many to go beyond the call of duty to work together and support each other along ones life and profesional journey. I was blessed to know him briefly. My condolences.
Dr Hastick was a great man knew him for many years., and covered his work in our World Liberty TV. RIP .
My deepest coincidences to the Hastick family. I will sorely miss this most ICONIC Giant of a MAN. My heart aches and wish that he would have seen the completion of his “baby” Caton Flats. R.I.P. my mentor.
Dr. Roy Hastick was a colleague, supporter and friend. His contributions to CACCI, and the Caribbean Community in Brooklyn and elsewhere are well documented.
My family join me in sending our condolences to his wife and members of His extended family.
So, so sad. What a giant was Dr Roy. He was so very, very kind. My deepest condolences to his strong partner and wife, and to all who were and are part of CACCI.
Thanks for your service.
Well played Innings Dr. Roy. He was my Neighbour in Thebaide and Head Acolyte at the RC Parish Church in the said Thebaide! Well Done! Extraordinaire! RIP! You did your Community, Country and Region Exceedingly Well Bro. Hastick!
I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Grenville from 1972-2974. Taught at the Convent School. He sounds like he really made a fantastic contribution. May he RIP and bless his family. He made the world a better place.