East Orange City Hall Plaza, on Friday, June 14, was festooned with the colors of the Golden Arrowhead flag of Guyana, thanks to Lady Ira Lewis, president/founder of the Guyana American Heritage Foundation, (GAHF) and team, for a spectacular 58th Independence Anniversary flag raising ceremony, that honored nationals for their stellar contributions.
New Jersey’s youngest State Senator Britnee Timberlake, who represents the 34th Legislative District, presented Guyanese heritage, First Deputy Commissioner Tania I. Kinsella with a State of NJ Resolution. The law enforcement officer was also honored with the Danny Glover Power of Dream Award, and the GAHF Trailblazer Award.
Other Trail Blazer Awards went to Bibi Alli, Power of the Soil, Doris Rodney, Hills Restaurant, Monica Sanchez, Miss Caricom, and Ya-G International Caterers. The Community Service Award went to Pandit Vishadarr, and MGM Services Group Levi Langeller.
Special Senate Resolutions were presented to Lady Ira Lewis, Tangerine Clarke, Caribbean Life, Molly Etwaroo, New York City Hall, and members of the (GAHF).
Mayor of the City of East Orange, Ted R. Green, a staunch supporter of the Guyanese diaspora, who has facilitated the flag raising ceremony for fifteen years, welcomed Guyanese to City Hall Plaza.
The politician called the compatriots, family, adding. “Thank you for being here. It is a pleasure to be celebrating Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary, he said an acknowledged the Honorable Britnee Timberlake, the Mayor of Georgetown Albert Mentore, and congratulated the group of honorees.
“Guyanese are a part of the melting pot here. We thank them for being a part of government, the police and fire departments, the board of education, and hospitals. All of you are a part of this city, and as the mayor, I am very grateful for that.”
“I want to thank the lady that makes this happen, each year, who never forget about her country and people and the importance of celebrating. Let’s give Lady Ira Lewis a round of applause,” said Mayor Green.
“On behalf of the East Orange City Council, we thank you for coming out. May God continue to bless you. Lets continue to pray and help each other, and never forget who we are. If there are things, we need to do to better this country, we must do it together,” said Mayor Green.
Senator Timberlake, who also served five years in the General Assembly, a loyal friend of the Guyanese, and Caribbean community said, “East Orange has one of the highest populations of people from the beautiful land of Guyana, and we are so grateful and so proud of them.”
While acknowledging Mayor Ted Green, Commissioner Kinsella, and Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore, Sen. Timberlake said. “I don’t think anybody could plan a program like this, other than Ira Lewis. It’s no secret that I love Miss Ira Lewis, because she believes in making sure that we educate all generations about all cultures and celebrate all black peoples around the diaspora. That is the connection that an African American young lady like me, and her, have in common.”
“She does it, while always making sure that she is raising the banner high for Guyana and making room for everyone no matter what country they’re from, to talk about policy to talk about politics and cultural pride and then to do something in action.”
“I’m so grateful to be here this year. It’s about carrying on the work and building unity and amassing political power for the purpose of doing good, using our skill sets and doing good in unity. God bless you. thank you so much for having me,” said the legislator.
Frist Deputy Commissioner Kinsella, who spoke passionately about being raised by a strong Guyanese mother, and for nurturing her (Kinsella) into becoming an outstanding individual who serves her country with honor, later in her Instagram post, noted, “On Flag Day in New Jersey, we raise the Guyana flag as a symbol of unity and pride for Guyana’s 58th Independence Flag Ceremony.”
“I am grateful for the recognition upon receiving the Resolution Award from the State of New Jersey. This highlights the importance of culture, diversity, and our commitment, to continue to improve all our communities wherever.”
Georgetown Mayor Mentor, called for Mayor Ted Green to become an honorary citizen of Georgetown, and invited the politician to visit Guyana.
“When he visits the city of Georgetown he will receive the key to the city,” said Mentore who thanked the GAHF committee for the Senate Resolution, and for making him feel welcome to East Orange.
Dr. Terrence Blackman, dean of The School of Science, Health Technology at Medgar Evers College, and professor of mathematics, Brooklyn campus, in his keynote message as Guyana celebrates its 58th Independence Anniversary, called on leaders to stop the constant fighting amongst themselves, and to move forward in a larger Guyanese tribe.
A dynamic advocate for innovation in teaching, learning and research, Dr. Blackman advised inclusivity in the homeland, and urged leaders to make good decisions to benefit all Guyanese. “We must challenge our leaders to move beyond narrow lens, it can be destructive. It is time to see a larger Guyanese tribe.”
“We must build general respect and collaboration, contributing to a common goal. The children of Guyana must be educated to forge rich connections to become competent. As someone who cares about education, we need to take this moment seriously. If we don’t, we would never be independent, and young people in Guyana would not become leaders. I am not sure where we will be in the next 15 years,” he stated.
“I would like to be in Guyana, where citizens live harmoniously,” said the former chair of The Department of Mathematics at Medgar Evers College, and former Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Scores of nationals attended the glorious commemoration. There were camaraderie, patriotism, and love of country, as heard in the singing of patriotic songs. Nationals then joined Lady Ira Lewis to hoist the flag, before being entertainment by the Fanoko Singers, artist Gucci Boss & dancers, DJ King Aquarius, and the Band D’brapowell.
Pandit Vishandaar, Ashraf Latif, and Rev. Ingrid Herod Van Sertima blessed the auspicious event .
Lady Ira Lewis thanked her country men and women for their contributions and commended her committee members for the impeccable presentation. They are Brenda Telford —Sarfo VP, Janet Mitchell, Rafeeza Shahabudeen, Colette Andrews, Colette Boston, Grace Bynoe, Afia Hickson, Sherida Hickson, Yvonne Marshall, Enid Wilson, and Lashawn.
