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Essex County flag raising honors Caribbean heritage and spotlights concerns at Delaney Hall
Summary
County Commissioner Adorian Ray Thomas hosted a flag-raising ceremony celebrating Guyanese and Haitian heritage and invited community leaders to speak. Speakers including Jasmine Mattellus alleged recent mistreatment of protesters at Delaney Hall and the commissioner described county-provided tenting and visitor resources adjacent to the detention site.
Commissioner Adorian Ray Thomas opened a flag-raising ceremony at the Essex County Complex, welcoming community members and representatives of Guyanese and Haitian groups to recognize Caribbean heritage and the recent flag observances for Guyana and Haiti.
The ceremony highlighted both celebration and concern. "As you guys know, I'm Adorian Ray Thomas, county commissioner here in Essex," Thomas said, noting he represents District 2 and calling the chambers the "People's Chambers." He invited members of the Guyanese flag-raising committee, Rafiza and Carla, to the podium and called for continued recognition of Caribbean communities in Essex County.
Jasmine Mattellus, introduced by Thomas as chair of the Essex County Young Democrats, recounted elements of Haiti's revolutionary history and urged support for people affected by recent events at Delaney Hall. "Last night at Delaney Hall, the ICE officers were present, and we locked arms with each other, and they sprayed tear gas," Mattellus said, and called on attendees to "show up at Delaney Hall, or ... donate" and provide supplies to those impacted. The transcript records this as her statement; the claim was presented as an allegation in remarks and was not corroborated during the event.
Thomas described county measures taken near Delaney Hall, saying the detention property itself is not county-owned but that the county controls a nearby lot where "we have a tent" and other temporary structures to help visitors and protesters with shelter from heat and rain. "Because of that, we have a tent that's there," Thomas said, explaining the intent was to provide a place for families visiting detainees and for protesters and visitors to shelter.
Pastor Jean Maurice offered closing remarks linking heritage to ongoing community service and urged continued prayer and support for Haiti and the diaspora. "It's an honor to be here to cherish this great day for Haitian community," Pastor Maurice said, and asked attendees to continue offering "time, talent, and also your treasure."
The event combined recognition of Haitian Flag Day and Guyanese Independence Day with appeals for local support and solidarity. No formal motions, votes, or policy actions were taken during the ceremony; organizers encouraged civic engagement and follow-up at community events planned for June.
The program concluded with thanks from Commissioner Thomas and an invitation to upcoming Caribbean Heritage Month events hosted by the county.
