Caribbean leaders pay tribute to late trailblazing Congressman Charles Rangel

Caribbean officials have paid tribute to Charles Rangel, a towering figure in American politics and longtime friend of the region, who died on Monday at age 94.

Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran and founding member of the US Congressional Black Caucus, served in the United States Congress for 46 years, representing the historic neighborhood of Harlem from 1971 until his retirement in 2017.

News of his passing came on Memorial Day, a poignant coincidence given his military service and lifelong commitment to public duty. Rangel made history as the first African American to chair the influential House Ways and Means Committee and played a central role in shaping fiscal policy in the U.S.

Over his decades in office, Rangel became a vocal advocate for Caribbean issues, using his platform to support economic development, immigration reform, and improved U.S.–Caribbean relations.

Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, who represents New York’s 9th District, hailed Rangel as a mentor and icon.