CG Brotherson shares Christmas cheer, goodwill at new office space in Manhattan

Consul General in New York, Michael E. Brotherson, decked the halls of his new 4^th Floor space at 228 E 45^th St. in Manhattan on Dec. 21 to share peace, joy, and goodwill with a cross-section of the diaspora, his colleagues of the CARICOM Consular Corps, politicians, and special invited guests.

With infectious music, and delectable cuisine compliments of Fazee’s Delight restaurant on tap, Guyanese were gleeful after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and President Irfaan Ali, shook hands for peace, easing tensions after the neighboring country had renewed claims that Region 3 Essequibo belongs to them.

“Happy Christmas to Guyanese in the diaspora and my countrymen back home. This is the first event we have hosted here, and as you can see the turnout shows how the consulate is well connected to the diaspora.”

CG Brotherson who welcomed the festively dressed nationals, praised them for trusting the consulate’s process, and utmost efficiency, while lauding them for their grace and patience as the government quell the threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and integrity.

Consul General of Guyana Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, fourth from left, surrounded by his staff, at a Dec. 21 Christmas party at a new location, 228 E 45th St., Manhattan. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

He said President Ali and his team must be commended for their indelible work in coming to the defense of “our country to ensuring our territory integrity and sovereignty will always be preserved. We are clear in our hearts that this will never change,” he reassured, adding that the diaspora is proud at what Guyana was able to do. Justice will prevail, he said.”

Noting the support, he receives from diasporans, the diplomat, also thanked this reporter “for being a stalwart in this diaspora, among others.”

“You have covered a lot of our events. I want to say publicly that I am grateful for the efforts of you, and many others who have been able to show the work that is being done here in New York.”

Judge of the Civil Court of New York, Andrea S. Ogle, left and Executive Director at Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Rhonda Benda, celebrate the festive gathering at the Guyana Consulate in Manhattan, on Dec. 21. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

During the packed celebration, the diplomat pointed out the support he receives from his CARICOM colleagues, who showed up in their numbers. Additionally, he extended, heartfelt condolences to the families, and Guyana on the deaths of five servicemen whose helicopter crashed near the border with Venezuela.

In accordance with CG Brotherson, Fazil “Joe” Yusseff, advisor on Investment & Diaspora Affairs, Guyana Consulate, while wishing nationals at home and abroad happy holidays, reiterated the diplomatic path President Irfaan Ali took to keep Guyana’s territorial integrity in intact, a measure that eased concerns of citizens who have been on edge leading up to the holiday season.

Consul General of the Commonwealth of Bahamas, Leroy Major, and Charge d Affaires, Consul General of the Republic of Haiti, Marie Amy attended the festivity.

Also present were, Mrs. Alsion Wilson consul general, Consulate General of Jamaica; Jeremiah Hyacinth, consul general, Consulate General of Saint Lucia; Sheldon Peter, consul general, Commonwealth of Dominica, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, New York, and Chinua Duke, aid to Assembly Woman Monique Chandler-Waterman.

Recently appointed Civil Court Judge of New York, Andrea S. Ogle, Judge Karen Gopee, and Judge Shahabuddeen Ally, also celebrated the season with CG Brotherson and staff.