Guyana consul general reaches out to her nationals

Guyana consul general reaches out to her nationals
Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Fresh from the success of serving almost 200 Guyanese citizens in Schenectady, New York during a second outreach program on April 22, Consul General of Guyana to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly called on the community to reach out to the diplomatic office to schedule a community outreach in their area, at a recent Brooklyn program.

The CG and staff of the Manhattan Consulate, processed passport applications, power of attorney, and life certificates for the elderly on May 6, at Restoration Temple Assembly of God Church hall on Church Avenue, where the Atherly said it was a great opportunity to get out into the community to reach senior citizens who were unable to visit the New York City office, to have documents notarized, and completed to get their benefits.

“Family members also came in to set up appointments for shut-ins,” said the diplomat, who added that the massive turnout in Schenectady, New York showed the need for the service in far away states such as Schenectady, that is home to more than 10,000 Guyanese.

Atherly who praised her staff members for making the outreach possible, said compared to Schenectady, the turnout in Brooklyn was not as expected, due to the possible hectic Saturday schedule for many, but said nationals appreciated the consulate coming to the community, and she looked forward to continuing the initiative.

The initiative also catered to persons who needed passports, replacement of documents and birth certificates. The consulate so far has travelled to Connecticut, New Jersey, and Queens.

Counselor, Beverly McDonald, staff from the passport section — Fazia Khusial, Steve Goodluck and Desiree Theobold, and IT Specialist Acquifie Munroe, and Narine Latchman were on hand to complete various services, while Georgetown Ministry of Foreign Affairs specialist Carol Barker — on assignment, contributed to the initiative.

CG Atherly reminded Guyanese when logging on to the website, to pay attention to the new website address — www.guyanaconsulatenewyork.org or they could call 212-947-5110 for more information.