Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association

01/10/2026

Greetings Garifuna Family,

Last night was truly an amazing night. To our Executive Team and Planning Committee—y’all did that. We started the year off strong with our first meeting and mixer.

Planning may be the easiest part, but turning a vision into reality is where the real work begins. The weekly Planning Committee meetings, daily logistics discussions, and constant coordination are what made this event possible. Thank you for every ounce of effort, dedication, and sweat you poured into making it a success. From check-in to our guests, our servers, and the DJ, the entire night flowed with beautiful smiles, positive energy, and an amazing sense of unity. You could truly feel the love, the support, and the purpose in the room.

I am truly grateful to our NYPD Executives, JAMLEO, ALEO, NYDO, Central American Parade and Silvadolla Beauty Bar and Spa for your continued support last night.

To our founding members, thank you for the groundwork you laid and for believing in this organization from the very beginning.

To all of our honorees, congratulations on your well deserved awards.

I woke up this morning to countless messages and posts filled with positive feedback—proof that the hard work did not go unnoticed.

Garifuna has so much more amazing news to share very soon, and I can honestly say it is a blessing to walk this journey with all of you.

Thank you all for your commitment, your belief, and your support.

Best Regards,
Stivin, President

01/01/2026

From our family to yours.

Happy New Year! Wishing you joy, health, peace, and prosperity in 2026, with fresh starts, new adventures, and endless possibilities for a bright future filled with love, laughter, and success, as you celebrate new beginnings and cherished memories.

Stivin Benedith
President

12/25/2025

Good Morning Garifuna Family,

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christma. As we enjoy this special moment, we are truly grateful for each and every one of you.

For some, today is spent surrounded by family and loved ones; for others, it is spent serving our communities while on duty. To all our first responders working through the holidays, we thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. Please stay warm, safe, and know that you are appreciated.

We also recognize that the holidays can be difficult for many, especially for those who are missing loved ones who are now in heaven. May the beautiful memories you shared bring you comfort, peace, and strength during this season.

Stay safe and blessed, family.

Stivin Benedith
President
Garifuna American In Law Enforcement Association

12/24/2025

Good evening Family,

With our January 2026 Mixer approaching, I want to congratulate our honorees for your unwavering support and dedication. Each of you has played a meaningful role in strengthening our organization and uplifting our community.

This Mixer holds a deeper purpose. We are celebrating our culture, yes—but we are also celebrating the hard work, sacrifice, and quiet leadership our honorees have shown throughout 2025. None of it went unnoticed. Because of you, we move into 2026 with renewed strength, unity, and purpose.

Thank you for standing with us, for serving with heart, and for helping us build a legacy that honors our roots and uplifts our communities.

Stivin Benedith,
President, Garifuna

11/21/2025

Our trip to Belize was a remarkable success, as we had the privilege of donating backpacks and shoes to children in need thanks to the tremendous effort and support from our sponsors and everyone who helped us accomplish this mission, special thanks to US Embassy Belize for their participation.
After a long journey and dedicated teamwork, together we made a meaningful difference that will have a lasting impact in the community.
Seremein!

Stivin Benedith
President

11/15/2025

I would also like to share that during this humanitarian mission, we will be visiting an orphanage home to spend time with children we believe will become the future leaders of tomorrow.

Our mission goes beyond donating shoes and backpacks — it’s about helping youth, guiding them, and inspiring hope for a brighter and stronger future. 🇧🇿💛🤍🖤

Together, we rise.

Sincerely,
Stivin
President

09/14/2025

Garifuna Family,

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of one of our beloved members, Miriam Guity.

Miriam, a retiree family member from Corrections, has been part of our team since the very birth of GALA serving as our Second Vice President .
She was deeply involved, and I will always remember her strength in faith and the way she encouraged me to keep moving the organization forward. Miriam remained active as a dedicated member of the Executive Board and was always a source of wisdom and inspiration.

Just a few weeks ago, I was blessed to share some laughs with her. I spoke about the upcoming Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Mission Trip 2026, as well as our upcoming Belize Humanitarian Mission 2025. She was amazed by the work and excited about what was ahead. I told her that once things settled, I would be coming to visit her so we could talk more about these missions.

To her daughter, Khadijah, and the entire family: please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the cherished memories you hold bring comfort and strength during this difficult time.

🙏🏾🙏🏾

Stivin Benedith
President

01/05/2025

Our mission continues to endure. Please consider helping us fulfill it; your contribution would be deeply appreciated.

01/01/2025

12/23/2024

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who attended our second GALA Dinner event yesterday, as without your support, we would not have been successful.
Congratulations to all the awardees on their outstanding achievements.
Another one on our books !!!!
Seremein!!!