President David Granger’s message that states Guyana celebrates the Independence it gained 49 years ago on May 26, 1966 guided by the inspirational national motto “One People One Nation One Destiny,” rang true recently at Brooklyn Borough Hall, where nationals commemorated their autonomy.
The Guyana Tri-State Alliance’s colorful tribute under the patronage of Brooklyn Borough President Eric L Adams and Councilman Dr. Mathieu Eugene saluted the excellence of citizens whose contributions have played major roles in the development of their communities and that of the United States of America as a whole.
Dr. Ronald Alexander Daily, Rev. Michael Barrington Bacchus, Bishop John Cummings, Verna Walcott-White, Tony Singh, Angaad Sooknandan, Lorna Welshman-Neblett, Oswald “Teach’ David, Sonia Noel, Rosalind McLymont, Romanee R. Kalicharran, Vrinda S. Jagan, Mohan Singh and Dolly Small received The Golden Arrowhead of Distinction Award, citations and proclamations.
Pandit Tillackdharry Seerattan, Nalini Tiwart, and Linda Holder were also honored, while Consul General Brentnold received a special award.
The Youth Award went to Tots and Teens In Focus member, Blossom Parris, while Kaila Holder accepted the posthumous honor on behalf of her mother, Sheila Holder, founder of the Alliance For Change political party.
Speaking on behalf of the borough president, Deputy Borough President, Sandra Chapman acknowledged Guyana’s Independence and stated that the borough president’s mission is to have one borough.
“We are a diverse community but Borough President Adams believes that through our unity and strength we will become one,” said Chapman.
Chapman, a Guyanese American, congratulated President Granger’s new government and lauded Patricia Jordan Langford for serving the community for the past twenty-eight years.
Councilmember Mathieu in turn, complimented the Guyana Tri-State Alliance and called the contribution of Guyanese in the New York area, remarkable.
In an effort to extol the unsung heroes of the Guyanese community, president of the long standing Tri-State Alliance was critical of the divisiveness that she said has “destroyed our nation”, and called on her fellow citizens to pledge to “renew national spirit and our inheritance of hospitality, unity and cohesiveness.”
Bishop John Cummings, Hindu Pandit Tilachdharry Seeratan and Muslim Imam Hajji Zakir blessed the commemoration in keeping with Guyana’s multicultural heritage, after which, 11-year old Kamiyah Parchment delivered the national anthem.
Punctuated by all things Guyanese, included the Golden Arrowhead flag that littered the rotunda of the municipal building, emcees Tanuga Ragoo and Jonathon Locke brilliantly shared in the richness of Guyana’s cultural diversity during presentations by Dr. Keith Proctor, “Glory” movement by Impressions Dance Theatre, and a Unity in Motion choreography by Shawn Shazim.
Drums of Freedom and Unity performed by Akoya Rudder and Winston Hoppie and a fashion extravaganza showcasing Sonia Noel’s multi-layered talents, capped the vibrant independence celebration which was attended by more than 500 nationals.
