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Queens community activist Latchman Budhai has had a goal since he emigrated from his native Guyana — “to bring people together.’’
When Budhai, who was a police officer in Guyana. and his wife moved here in 1972, they were among the original Guyanese immigrants to settle in Richmond Hill.
“We had Jewish, Italian and Irish neighbors, and we had a lovable relationship with everyone,’’ said the 65-year-old retired businessman.
“We had block parties. It was getting to know and appreciate each other,’’ said Budhai, who founded two Hindu temples in Queens.
Helping others get to know one another and work together to solve problems is what he has been doing ever since.
“The key to doing well is to get everyone to understand each other,’’ said Budhai, a board member of Community Board 9 who was just installed as president of the 102nd Precinct Community Council.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, who nominated Budhai for a New York Post Liberty Medal in the Freedom category, said that he “is deeply committed to promoting interfaith work in the borough.’’
She also praised his “special ability to both empower his community and advance the interests of all Queens residents.’’