New York: Guyana raises flag at Brooklyn Borough Hall
By Tangerine Clarke – Caribbean Life News – NYC
Guyanese looked on with pride as the Golden Arrowhead flag was hoisted for the very first time over Brooklyn Borough Hall, during a 52nd Independence Anniversary pomp and ceremony on the tarmac, that included a parade by the disciplined services, blessings by religious leaders, Bishop Cummings, Pandit Deo and Imam Zaman, and singing of “Guyana the Free.”
Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams who joined dignitaries, and guests at a reception in the Rotunda of the municipal building, after, congratulated expatriates on their achievements, and contributions made to Brooklyn, home to 2.7 million people— during the May 25, commemoration.
The politician lauded diplomats for the work they have done to strengthen the community, and invited Guyanese to return to Borough Hall in years ahead, to celebrate their Independence. He then presented H.E. Rudolph M. Ten-Pow, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Hon. Barbara Atherly, consul general to New York, with citations, before joined in a cake cutting and toast to Guyana, that became an independent nation on May 26, 1966.
The president and people of the United States also received a toast from Guyana’s Second Vice President & Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.
Min. Greenidge, in his keynote address, said Guyanese should value independence because of the sacrifices made by forbearers so that Guyana could be free.
He praised expatriates for their determine spirit, and contributions to the development of their homeland, and the world at large.
Ambassador Ten-Pow called Guyanese smart, creative resilient people, who if given the opportunity and the tools and right mental attitude would do well.
I am bullish about Guyana because we are fortunate to have national leaders who have a vision for the future of Guyana, and who are going about the task of making that vision into that reality with professional competence and with absolute commitment and dedication, said Amb. Ten-Pow.
Consul General to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly also extended greeting on behalf of the government of Guyana, and recalled the sacrifices make by the ancestors so that Guyana could enjoy freedom 52 years after, and called on Guyanese to recommit to the ideals of their nation.
Senator Roxanne Persaud in turn congratulated Guyanese on the 52nd Independence Anniversary, and presented New York State Senate Resolutions to Minister Carl Greenidge, Ambassador Ten-Pow, and Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly.
Observed under the theme “Six Peoples Living and working Together in Unity,” and hosted by the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Guyana, New York, Guyanese marked the occasion by singing “Oh Beautiful Guyana” and reciting the national pledge, during the proceedings, emceed by Mrs. Claire Patterson-Monah and Mr. Kishore Seunarine.
The gathering, attended by Dr. Donna Hunte-Cox Barbados Consul General to NY, and Jeremiah Hyacinth, Vice Consul of St. Lucia to NY, was highlighted by the superb rendition of “My Native Land” by flautist Kali Blain, national anthems by Anthony Allen, drumming by Menes DeGroit and Akoyah Rudder, pan music by Michael “Jahpan” Williams, and keyboard by Hilton Hemerding.
The diplomatic corps, and Friends of the Consulate Independence Planning Committee, chaired by Karen Wharton, thanked Courtney Noel for performing Golden Arrowhead, Megayla Austin, minister counsellor for the vote of thanks, and Guyanese for their support.
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Guyana dignitaries set to be grand marshals in independence parade
By Nelson A. King – Caribbean Life News
Guyana Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee (New York) says Guyana’s Attorney General, Basil Williams, and Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green will be grand marshals at the Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on Sunday, June 3.
The parade and other festivities are part of the New York celebration of Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence from June 3-16.
The committee said that Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall and President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities – former Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland – will be special guests.
“Caribbean Airlines has been a trusted partner and dependable friend of the Guyanese Diaspora, hence its designation as the official airline of the celebration,” said committee chairman, Rickford Burke.
Caribbean Airlines chief executive officer, Garvin Medera, said that “Caribbean Airlines is happy to be the official airline and to share in the celebration of Guyana’s 52nd anniversary of independence both in Guyana and New York.”
Burke said a contingent of Guyana Defense Force (GDF) officers arrived in New York last Thursday to participate in the celebration.
Last Friday, the team led a honor guard that included Guyanese New York Police Department (NYPD) officers and Guyana Ex-GDF Association members at a flag-raising ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall to commemorate Guyana’s 52nd Independence.
The ceremony preceded a reception hosted by Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly and Ambassador to the United Nations, Rudolph Ten-Pow.
Burke reiterated his call on Guyanese to “be united and to confront challenges in the Diaspora as one people, with a common interest and invigorated nation pride.”
A flag-raising ceremony and grand Unity Concert will follow Sunday’s grand parade.
The concert will be highlighted by performances from, among others, reggae superstar Dexta Daps; soca stars Freezy, Mighty and Subance; Carib Soca Monarch Brandon Harding; and chutney stars Terry Gajraj and Vicadi Singh.
