Guyanese American entrepreneur Edgar Henry has lived in New York for more than 40 years. He had a 12-year association with a Greek shipping company Hellenic Lines Ltd., which served the Red Sea, Middle East, East Africa and Pakistan.
His business interests are varied. He operates successfully as a licensed real estate broker in New York and has also ventured into the optical industry, serving the Caribbean community at ENG Caribbean Vision Center on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
Additionally, Henry is very aware of the importance of communication systems to the cultural Caribbean-American community. He established Sterling Communications Network in 1993, broadcasting “Calling the Caribbean” on WNJR Radio, 1430 AM.
For five years he was a part owner of the former Caribbean Diaspora newspaper, “Caribbean Impact.”
Additionally, Henry is involved in community and philanthropic activities both in the United States and Guyana.
His involvement with the greater business community is long-standing as the past president of the Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), a position he held for 25 years. The Flatbush BID was involved with many enhancements to the Flatbush business community including adding security to help back the police, sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner for those in need, having a float in the Caribbean Day parade, and helping support the Bedford Boys and Girls Center. “We ran training courses for business and sponsored a street fair,” he adds of the rounded and wide expanse of activities in which the Flatbush BID is involved.
Edgar also has deep roots in the arts. In addition to his being an actor, he has written screenplays and is also assistant treasurer on the executive board of the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of N.Y. “We’re about to celebrate our 15th year,” he says of the organization that sponsors summer workshops, a “Literary Hang” where new writers present books, a symposium, a family fun day, and a ”Kwe Kwe” — a traditional Guyanese celebratory event, the evening before getting married.
He is also the editor of the New York Guyana Folk Festival magazine on-line that has a monthly print edition.
That’s not all. Henry is also a music master – piano and organ – who teaches music at the annual summer GCA workshop series.
He proudly announces, “I’m establishing a music, performing arts and dance school, launching at the end of this month.” It will be at St. Stephens Church auditorium space, in Brooklyn.
