Joyful time at Guyana’s Independence celebration

Joyful time at Guyana’s Independence celebration
Photo by C. Gottlieb

Distinguished Guyanese were honored for their achievements and contributions at the 45th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence that was celebrated at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street on June 22 in its usual grand style.

Among the audience were members of the consular core, elected officials, judges, and array of VIPs. Master of ceremonies was performed by radio personalities Bobby Vieira and Rozanna Beaumont who kept the program moving.

Wowing the audience were Carol Grahame with her powerful voice singing the National Anthem of the United States of America, and Jerry Elcock, Guyanese recording artiste sung his rendition of the Guyana National Anthem.

Pat Jordon-Langford, president of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Inc in her welcome speech urged the audience to be mindful that their legacy should be unity, brotherhood, prosperity, and pride in their country.

George Talbot, charge’d’affaires to the Guyana Permanent Mission of The Republic of Guyana to the United Nations delivered the keynote address and Brentnold Evans, Guyana’s consul general officiated at the presentation of awards

The evening performances begun with a medley of Guyanese folk songs by Guyanese virtuoso Dr. Keith Proctor followed by Praises to our ancestors with “ancient drums” performed by Winston Hoppie “Jeggae” and a Tabla presentation by Yashokamini Seunaraine. Mildred Joyce Forde

Liturgical Dancers who were finalist in the Mc Donald Gospel Fest followed, and unfortunately the Borough Hall recorder music system was defective, but these young performers showed their mettle and finished their performance dancing to the drums of Winston Hoppie and Akoya Rudder to a standing ovation.

Rounding out the evening’s presentation was “Teen Explosion” fashion show by up and coming designer Amanda Chaliha with a kaleidoscope of fashion by young men and women, strutting in runway style. Guyanese poet James Richmond closed with a sterling performance accompanied by drummer Akoyaw Rudder.

The notable honorees were presented with the Golden Arrowhead of Distinction Award presented by The Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Inc. and The Guyana Consulate, and also received citations by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitiz and proclamations by The Council of The City of New York. The award recipients were philanthropist Rick Chetram, Humanitarian Viburt Bernard, Patrick and Paul Haynes of the Haynes Foundation, who have committed much of their time to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

Dr. John Mitchell, who has devoted his life to Health and Education Relief for Guyana, Taruna Sardoo, advocate for women and the needy in Guyana and for other parts of the world, Mohamed Hassim of West Indian News, actress and choreographer Rose October-Edun, humanitarian Pandit Suresh Sugrim, women’s health advocate Ngozi Moses, and Nikki Kahn Washington, Post photojournalist and 2011 Pulitzer prize winner.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Councilman Mathieu Eugene sponsored Guyana’s 45th Independence event, which was held to coinside with Caribbean Heritage month in June.

“A taste of Guyana” reception was held in the Brooklyn Borough Hall’s Rotunda, which was decorated with hibiscus flowers and Guyana flags where all had a joyful time enjoying the cuisine provided by Guyanese premier restaurants in New York.