Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly, on Saturday, Aug. 25, said the consulate welcomes suggestions and questions to better serve the community, and noted that the diplomatic office continues to engage the community with professionalism, and in friendly atmosphere, while maintaining a link to the diaspora.
Atherly who joined the staff in processing passport applications, tax ID, National Insurance Certificates, birth certificates, affidavits, power of attorneys, and other document requests for scores of Guyanese at Restoration Temple, on Church Avenue, Brooklyn, said because of a questioner process, the office is able to maintain a high standard of service, adding.
“Guyanese take full advantage of this ongoing initiative that began years ago, to meet a need,” said the diplomat, who worked alongside staff, from 10 am to 2 pm to process documents.
This is the third such outreach in Brooklyn, headed by Atherly, after she joined the consulate in August 2016. She noted that the Restoration Temple, headed by Rev. Joel Cummings, was the location she had her first community engagement in New York, after serving 20 years in various capacities, at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The diplomat told Caribbean Life that she is elated, that the consulate continues to reach out to the community, and recall traveling to Schenectady, New Jersey, Queens, and Connecticut, where thousands of Guyanese have received consular services over the years.
“This much needed service is well received by the community, and we look forward to continuing consular services to Guyanese, through this outreach that was in place before I joined the consulate. I commend those who started the initiative, and look forward to feedback from the community,” said Atherly.
She noted that 90 percent of Guyanese in the diaspora, feels there is a need for the services being offered.
Additionally, Consular Saturdays are held at the 308 W 38 St. (between 8th & 9th avenues.) New York City office, quarterly to meet the needs of those who have a busy workweek schedule.
The last two Consular Saturdays for the year, will be held in September and December. All information could be accessed through (www.guyan
The consulate has kept Guyanese engaged in its activities including national festivals, book signings, art exhibitions, and community events such as the upcoming Guyana Cultural Association’s Annual Folk Festival using all social media platforms including the Guyana Consulate Facebook page, advertising, and radio.
