There was an outpouring of support from religious organizations for the Guyanese community in Far Rockaway, Queens Sunday, Nov. 11 for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Among the army of volunteers who handed out food, blankets and necessities to many who were still without electricity were Guyana’s U.S. Ambassador Bayney Karran and New York Consul General Brentnold Evans.
Amb. Karran praised citizens of Guyana, saying he was happy to be there to support the community. “I am proud of my citizens who came out to distribute hot meals and volunteer their time.
City Councilman James Sanders, Jr., who represents the 31st District in Queens, was also among the givers, some coming from as far away as Ozone Park in Queens and Brooklyn with vehicles overflowing with cases of water, hot meals, clothing and cleaning supplies for the affected residents who lined up for hours to receive the charity.
Saunders expressed the same pride he felt towards the charitable Guyanese, because of the heartfelt support they had shown to his constituency.
“If this is an example of what Guyana is like, then its future is assured, thanks to gentlemen like yourself,” he added.
Of about 105,000 residents that live in the Far Rockaway area, Saunders estimated 70,000 as being hurt and at lest 30,000 seriously impacted.
Frustrated resident Doreen Hoffman, a Jamaica native said she has been without power for 14 days.
Other Jamaicans like David Mordecai whose roof blew off and still was without housing, and Raymond Lewis and Trevor Rhodd who received packages, felt grateful that help had come their way.
Councilman Pandit Suresh Surgrim, president of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, drove from his Jersey City humanitarian mission with 1, 000 meals. He said it was a joy to embrace the community during this depressed time.
Igbal Sherif of the World Islamic Center, Herman Singh of the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Dhanpaul Narine, Patricia Jordan-Langford and Yvonne Marcus of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Roshan Ali Ahmad, Mendra Singh, Ravi Bisoon, and sisters, Yasmen and Naimoon all showed their support. The Shri Trimurti Bhavan initiated the projected and donated 50 bags of clothes and trays of foodstuff.
