St. Vincent Native Loses in New York City Council Race

A former U. N. ambassador for St. Vincent and the Grenadines has lost his bid to become a New York City Council member. The winner of Tuesday’s special election made history by becoming the council’s first Haitian-born member. Dr. Mathieu Eugene will take the seat vacated by Yvette D. Clarke after her election to Congress in November.

Ms. Clarke’s mother, Una, made history by becoming the first Jamaican-born member of the Council in 1991. And Yvette Clarke succeeded her mother in the Council in 2001 before taking her seat in Congress in January. Both Clarkes were strong supporters of Dr. Eugene, which proved to be crucial endorsements.

St. Vincent native Joel Toney finished below the top three vote-getters. Toney served as St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United Nations from 1981 to 1984

Among the other candidates were individuals who traced their heritage to Panama, Costa Rica and Jamaica. More than one-third of New York City residents are foreign-born. The council seat, in the city’s 40th district, represents an area with a large immigrant population, especially from the Caribbean.