The Guyanese diaspora, clergy, friends, and family filled social media platforms with messages of grief for cultural ambassador, multi-faceted graphic artist, and humanitarian, Claire Ann Goring who died on Jan. 15.
Goring, died suddenly, ending more than 60 years of service to Guyana’s cultural landscape, while devoting her life faithfully, to multitude of programs in the diaspora.
A tireless advocate for propagating Guyanese culture, a promoter for up-and-coming artists, and all-round exceptional person, Goring who also served as cultural director of the Guyana Cultural Association, NY, and by extension, the Annual Brooklyn Folk Festival, for over 20 years, was described by author Selwyn Collins as someone whose name resonates with adoration, respect, and reverence, spoken by many who recognized her as more than a cultural icon.
“She embodied a deep commitment to community and service, leaving an indelible mark as a phenomenal woman. In her presence, one felt the essence of royalty, a woman with profound love for people from all walks of life and a profound passion for her culture.”
“No task was too immense for her to tackle; she was an encyclopedia of Guyanese cultural history and wisdom — a queen in every sense,” he wrote on Facebook.
Ras Kofi said, “Mama Claire Ann Goring was a gentle giant who displayed such kindness to my family. The time of my mother’s transition is when I met her. Her work as a cultural pioneer and member of the Guyana Cultural Association of America is timeless.”
President of the St. Rose’s Alumni Association, USA, Lorraine Croft-Farnell expressed condolences to Goring’s family, and the Guyana Cultural Association family, supporters, and friends by saying “Claire was an icon in the Guyanese arts and culture community who wholeheartedly supported the work of our association and the Guyana High School Alumni Associations Council.”
“Her legacy will live on in our hearts. Thank you for your generous support, time, and talent,” she wrote.
“Ouch to my heart, Claire Ann Goring. A very important mentor of mine. She will always be an inspiration to so many. We had celebrations. We shared in art, community, possibilities, especially the birthdays we shared, and we would wish, celebrate and laugh on each other on 11/29 every year. Your name Clair is indicative to your contribution, service, love, guidance, clarity. A beacon of healing light to us all.”
“I kept a candle lit all day to reflect your victory of your LIFE, in service, to community and beyond and an inspiration to so many of us. Universal Shero! And I love you,” wrote Radha Singh.
Goring, who in 2016, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from (GCA) at its 13th Annual Awards Ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall, was one of the most delightful, caring, and selfless human being, who had said, “My creativity in this sphere has established the benchmarks — the standards to be emulated in Guyanese arts festivals.”
Hybiskus Creations, an online and home-based company that showcased Goring’s many other enormous talents, and skills, will transcend generations.
A recipient of numerous New York City Council Proclamations, and citations, and a Humanitarian Award for her Generous Acts of Benevolence to Guyana, and the wider Diaspora, from CASSBO and Troupe at its 50th Anniversary Dinner in Brooklyn, and many other accolades, most importantly, the Guyana’s Medal of Service for her indelible contribution to country, Goring, leaves behind a treasure chest of greatness, and standards that will be difficult to emulate.
The personification of poise, kindness, and endless dedication to everything she put her warm heart into, Goring was the first woman to present a costume band under Solo Productions Mas in Guyana back in the 70s and 80s.
She will be remembered for her endless legacy as an innovator and creative genius in all aspects of Guyana’s arts community. Her incredible skills and ability to present masterpiece decorations, dating back to Queen Elizabeth’s Royal visit to Guyana, is just a part of a hallmark of treasured memories, that will live on for eternity.
This reporter met and volunteered in Claire Ann Goring’s costume camp more than 40 years ago and was honored to continue that relationship in service to this extraordinary individual, when she started the Annual Folk Festival. I will cherish the love, and sisterhood we shared over many years. Rest peacefully, Claire, gone but will never be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to Claire Ann Goring’s family circle, the Guyana Cultural Association, and everyone who have been in her captivating presence.
