Compatriots packed the standing room only congregation of Vanderveer Methodist Church in Brooklyn on Jan. 22 to bid a sad farewell and to celebrate the life of Claire Ann Goring, a beloved Guyanese born cultural giant, and award-winning creator.
The commemoration officiated by Reverend Melvin Boone, Bishop Davis, and Rev. Martin, was filled with reminiscences, powerful messages, laughter, and applause that captured the true essence of the extraordinary life Claire Ann Goring lived.
“She had a wonderful life, proud woman, icon, phenomenal, adjectives to describe her,” were the comforting words of Reverend Boone.
“Claire was a believer, and I believe what allowed her to do all these things, and touched all those lives, was because it was the love of Christ that was in her, he said.
Rev. Boone quoted the apostle Paul saying no one should separate us from the love of Christ. “There’s nothing more powerful than the bond we may have with our Lord and savior, it doesn’t matter who thinks you’re creative or not, it doesn’t matter if people like you or think that your ideas are great, there’s something that’s intrinsic about one who believe.”
“The first thing we realized in this scripture is that there’s synergy between Christ Jesus and the love of God. Jesus, manifest something great, something powerful, something exciting, and Claire Ann Goring was an example of that. It’s no coincidence that she was able to impact so many lives. She had only 24 hours in a day during her life, but she made the best of it,” said the clergy, who preached about the woman who was a churchgoer.
“If God is for us, who can be against us, I can hear her saying this, and she lived her life in such a way, that she knew that God was with her, he said of Claire Ann Goring, one of Guyana’s cultural heritage specialists, who prioritized her dream for the creation of a GCA Arts and Culture Center to celebrate the multi-ethnic ancestry she was proud of.
“Like Paul, Claire Ann Goring carried and shared the message of love to all who would listen. Her message has encouraged and touched so many.”
“I encourage you, brothers, and sisters to embrace that message as sister Claire did, and in so doing we are no longer bound by limitations. We thank God for the life and legacy of Claire Ann Goring. She has run her race and finished her course. She’s wearing her crown and I’m sure the Lord welcomes her. Well done my good and faithful servant. She’s cheering us on also,” he said of the artist who had been prolific and unmatched in her dedication to the preservation of Guyanese culture and cultural connections throughout the Caribbean.
“Each one can honor her legacy by being the best you can be, by not stifling your creativity, but embracing it. And most of all be proud of your culture, and the things she taught us to be proud of, and we too shall wear a crown,” he said.
“There is much more work to be done my brothers and sisters, and we can only pray that our lives will honor the memory of Claire Ann Goring and embrace her legacy,” concluded Rev. Boone.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke had a personal relationship with Claire Ann Goring and extended heartfelt and deepest condolences to Alicia and family members, loved ones, and friends, on behalf of her mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke and father, Leslie, on the passing of a cultural icon.
“My mother thought it was important that the cultural values, artistry surrounding the Guyanese people keep present in the lives of not only those of you who have come to the US, but to everyone throughout the Caribbean Diaspora. I am a beneficiary.”
In a touching tribute, the legislator said, “so many go through life ignorant of the life, the trials and the challenges that face those who have come to the US to make it their home, and what Claire did was opened a window, into the lives of the richness, strength and resilience of a people from a nation called Guyana.”
“Claire’s gift is a tribute of her service to others. She could have taken her talent to Hollywood to make costumes for the producers, but she felt it was important to establish an organization in the community, so that we could have a sense of pride and dignity for all that we have worked for, and produced in the US, and globally, she said, praising the late multi-award-winning recipient.
“I want to thank Claire for her selflessness, for connecting with community in such a meaningful way in which we can all take a piece of her legacy with us. This is not about sending our sister home, it is about celebrating life, her contribution, and all that she gave in the strengthening, and under-girding as a people.”
“I am so proud that I had Claire in my life. She would be forever and inspiration for me when I stand in the house, my head become a bit higher, my voice, a bit deeper because I know from whence, I come to whom I belong, and Claire made sure that was well grounded.
“To everyone who have taken the time to celebrate this cultural ambassador. She has done Guyana well. While we mourn with the bereaved family, let us also get in our minds remembering when Claire touched our hearts and made us a little more creative, and a little jazzier, because that’s what she was. A very dignified, strong, Black Guyanese woman.
“Let’s build a foundation for future generations. This democracy is much stronger, because we got together, under-girding one another,” said the lawmaker, who honored Claire, posthumously, with a Proclamation from the 9th Congressional district.
Kishur Seunarine, after sharing his words of comfort, read a moving message from NYS Senator Roxanne Persaud, of the 19th Senate District. It reads, “Dear family members, the light is never extinguished until greatness steps into eternity, instead, it is planted in the arms of others to continue living with strength, wisdom, and endurance.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one Claire A. Goring, she was the embodiment of grace, virtue, and love.
“As the president of GCA, she provided a platform to showcase, promote and document Guyanese heritage. It was a pleasure working with her to bring resources to the community,” states Sen. Persaud in her message.
Consul General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael Brotherson, extended condolences on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, the government of Guyana, and the Diaspora, to the family of Claire Ann Goring, recipient of the Guyana Medal of Service (MS).
The diplomat recalled the cherished words used to describe the Kaieteur Award of Distinction honoree and noting that he partnered with her in 2002 to celebrate Emancipation.
“I know it’s not easy for relatives, but rest assured Claire is going to the great beyond to do higher service. She will be missed by her loved ones, and the New York Community, which Claire served so diligently. She will not be forgotten because of the impact she has left here on this earth,” said Ambassador Brotherson.
The celebratory memorial was filled with a evoking solo by niece, Shanice Lawrence, libation and drumming tribute by folklorist Carl Fraser, a tribute by Lady Ira Lewis, who requested that a foundation, or street be named for Claire Ann Goring, and extended condolences from Senator Britnee Timberlake of the 34th District NJ. and joined United Bridge Builders Mission, President Bonita Montaque for a fist salute.
Tributes came from Linden Dougall, Melanie Headly, Fay Cholmondeley-Browne, Johnathan Locke, Gail Nunes, the Guyana Nurses Assoc, Barbara Osborn, Mr. Hopkinson, Mr. Steward, a gripping poem from James Richmond, a rendition by the Bishops High School Alum choir, a poem by Xiomara Lutchman, and a tribute and eulogy by GCA members Patricia Jordan Langford, and Rose October, respectively, and the obituary by Tiffany Bangs.
In attendance were, Sherif Barker, Sybil Griffith Chester, Rickford Burke, Roy Singh, Lorna Welshman-Neblett, Attorneys Edward Meertins George and Melnia Cordis, and Reset Talk Show host, JRG Giddings, and Erwin Washington, among many others.
