The Georgian community organization "Association Tvistomi" and the Georgian-American Business Association (GABA) have been invited to the New York City Council by Inna Vernikov [New York City Council member].The Accent was interested in what issues were discussed at the meeting and addressed the head of the "Association Tvistomi" Nikoloz Chkheidze with relevant questions.

Journalist: Mr. Nikoloz, as we know, the "Association Tvistomi" and GABA were invited to the New York City Council by Inna Vernikov. How would you assess this meeting?

Nikoloz Chkheidze: This meeting was truly an important step for the Georgian diaspora. Ms. Inna Vernikov expressed sincere support and listened carefully to our needs. Her willingness to deepen cooperation at the city council level is very encouraging and important. We discussed specific problems.

Journalist: What topics were highlighted during the meeting?

Nikoloz Chkheidze: The topic was quite broad. We talked about how Georgian identity can be preserved in emigration. We discussed the needs of emigrants, legal support and ways of integration into society. One of the special focuses we made was on health issues — necessary screenings, preventive and prophylactic measures, as well as those services that are often not provided to the diaspora in a timely and adequate manner.

Journalist: The topic of drug and alcohol addiction was also discussed. Could you tell us more in this regard?

Nikoloz Chkheidze: Yes, unfortunately, this problem is also relevant in the Georgian diaspora. We discussed various models of assistance and how local institutions can support Georgian families so that their relatives are not left alone in facing this problem. It is necessary to have access to information and provide psychosocial support. Natia Purtskhvanidze, a representative of the Start New Life organization, described in detail the existing problems in this regard and ways to solve them. Ways of assistance were outlined from the city council to solve this difficult problem.

Journalist: Was there any talk about Georgian businesses?

Nikoloz Chkheidze: Georgian business is one of the main pillars of the diaspora. GABA's President Ketevan Gold was invited to the meeting and she spoke in detail about Georgian business and its needs. We talked about the challenges that small and medium-d Georgian businesses operating here face. Ms. Inna Vernikov expressed her readiness to organize meetings with business representatives to assist them.

Journalist: In your opinion, what is the main result of the meeting?

Nikoloz Chkheidze: The main result is that we received a promise to create a direct communication channel, specific meetings are planned and most importantly, there was a feeling that our problems can actually be solved systematically and consistently. Many thanks to Ms. Inna Vernikov for this.

Journalist: And Finally, what about your future plans?

Nikoloz Chkheidze: We continue to actively participate in local processes. For 23 years, the “Association Tvistomi” has been serving the Georgian diaspora and today cooperation with official structures is becoming especially important. We plan open dialogues, additional presentations, partnerships and information dissemination so that each Georgian immigrant has appropriate support.