Mayor Eric Adams, last Friday May 24, called New York the Georgetown of America where one of the largest Guyanese populations live. The politician made these remarks during a colorful celebration to honor Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary, and witnessed the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead flag alongside, Consul General Michael E. Brotherson.
The event, hosted in collaboration with the Guyana Consulate, and the Mission to the United Nations at historic Bowling Green Square in Manhattan commemorated the South American country that became free on May 26, 1966.
“Fifty-eight years of independence and you will continue to grow. I think you have just started as a country. The discovery of oil, the technology, the growth, the evolution. I want the ambassador and the council general to know that there’s a real partnership and home here in New York,” said Mayor Adams.
The politician who was introduced by Guyanese-heritage First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, said, “it took 110 mayors before the Guyanese flag was raised here. We understand diversity is our strength. When we acknowledge the contributions of all our various groups, we acknowledge what makes us great, not only as a city, but as a country.”
“We are the place where one can come to aspire and to grow and to maintain your love for your homeland as you embrace your adopted land. That is one of the prerequisites of being American. You do not abandon who you are.”
“You don’t call yourself American Guyanese. No, America said, put your culture first, hold on to it and have it as a common denominator that we all can appreciate, said the politician, adding, “because of that, we’re able to continue to have people come from all over the globe and say they want to make this their home.”
“I say to those who are waiting on the line to touch the bull. I say to those who are visiting this city. There are two types of Americans, those who live in New York and those who wish they could. We’re the lucky ones,” he quipped.
“Thanks so much commissioner, he said to Kinsella, noting that the NYPD First Commissioner is the number two in the largest Police Department, in the globe, the most significant being held by a Guyanese American. It’s a significant accomplishment to reach that level.”
He also acknowledged his chief technology officer, Matthew Fraser, also of Guyanese heritage, saying, “He was quick to remind me that those with the most swagger in my administration is from Guyana, mused Mayor Adams, who was presented with a token, a gold Tie Clip from Guyana.
First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, who was recently appointed by Mayor Adams, Yelled Guyana! and waved a flag, much to the delight of nationals, who responded with resounding applause to welcome the police officer to the podium.
Kinsella, who, recently return from a trip to Guyana, spoke excitedly about enjoying all the Guyanese food she grew up eating and praised her mother for the great nurturing she had.
“I had the greatest opportunity to take a trip to our sweet Guyana, I think I brought the heat and the sunshine back with me, she said, adding.
“I visited President Ali and so many different locations. Guyana is going up. Thanks to everyone here today.”
“I’m the second highest member of service in the largest Police Department in the world and that wouldn’t have been possible had it not being for our mayor. Our mayor is the biggest advocate for us Guyanese in New York City and all other cultures,” said Kinsella.”
The celebration that was attended by the CARICOM Consular Corps, Fazal Yussuff, advisor on Diaspora Affairs, and Ambassador Trishala Persaud, received greetings from President Irfaan Ali, the government, and nationals at home, extended by CG Brotherson, who thanked Mayor Adams and team for being integrally involved in the commemoration.
“Guyanese in the Diaspora and the wider United States of America have earned the accolades given to them for the myriad contributions they have made, and continue to make,” said CG Brotherson, lauding Guyanese who have been able to excel and become leaders and trailblazers and cement their place in a city of 8 million people.
“The excellent bilateral relations that exist between Guyana and the US, and our shared values and extant collaborations, are of only ample testimony of the recognition of Guyana as a credible partner, but also a responsible and respected member of the international community.
“I believe that all Guyanese, at home and the diaspora, can this opportunity to recommit to the ideal of a united and prosperous Guyana. Thank you, Mayor Adams. Happy 58th Independence Anniversary to all,” he concluded.
Chairman of Bowling Green Association, Arthur Piccolo, said history was made when the flag was raised 15 years ago, and since the 1600’s, more than any other place in the US, and he hopes it continues.
Manual Castro, NYC commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, thank all Guyanese civil servants across the borough, law enforcement teachers, health care professionals, and community leaders who partner with the mayor’s office. “Without immigrants, New York would not be the city it is today, thanks for your contribution he said, holding a poster that said “We love Immigrants NYC.”
Consul General of Bahamas Ambassador Leroy F. Major, on behalf of the CARICOM Consular Corps, congratulated Guyana, and wished the Republic every success.
Guyanese heritage, Matthew Fraser, chief technology officer, one of the highest-ranking members of Mayor Adams’ administration, and the youngest tech. professional in NYC, credits his Guyanese parents, noting that without that nurturing, he may not have been in the position he is today.
“I’m honored to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence and to raise the beautiful flag once again. We are proud to have one of the largest Caribbean diasporas in New York City. Guyanese making up the fifth largest foreign-born population in our great city, from little Guyana in Richmond Hill to the vibrant neighborhoods of Canarsie and Flatbush Brooklyn the heart and soul of Guyana resonates throughout our communities.”
“I can almost smell delicious pepper pot right here,” he joked, adding, “Guyanese Americans have a rich history in the US we remember Charlie Shirley Chisholm the trailblazer who became the first congresswoman of Guyanese dissent.”
“I am proud to have a member of our Guyanese diaspora, in our administration. She is Melissa, the director of communication. We are enriched by a robust Guyanese presence reflecting the strength and diversity of this beautiful community as we celebrate 58 years of independence we embrace the spirit of Guyana’s motto one people one nation one destiny,” said Edward Mermelstein, NYC commissioner of International Affairs.
Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Alsion Roach Wilson, who represented the Diplomatic Corps, expressed heartfelt gratitude to CG Brotherson and staff for the opportunity to celebrate the occasion.
“It is a profound moment, a testament to the pride and hope of your nation and your citizens. It is truly an extraordinary accomplishment to commemorate your 58 Anniversary of independence, as we celebrate 51st years the establishment of CARICOM,” she said.
The commemoration was blessed with prayers by Shaykh Safraz Bacchus, Pastor James Richmond, Pandit Ravi Doobay, who all prayed for the nation to be united, to share in the diverse heritage as One People, One Nation with One Destiny, a community of oneness and peace, and collective strength. Embracing the richness, remembering the struggles of those who sacrificed and fought for Guyana’s liberty.
The sun shined brightly over the proceedings, that opened with the National Pledge, hosted by Pastor James Richmond, and honored with “My Guyana Eldorado,” sung by Jevanah LaRose, who also sang Guyana’s National Anthem. Anthony Allen’s voice filled the square with the US National Anthem, where scores of nationals waved flags with pride, as the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted.
Members of the NYPD Guyanese Law Enforcement Association (GALEA), and President of the Guyanese American Heritage Foundation, New Jersey, Lady Ira Lewis, attended the event, while Wrickford Dalgetty, rendered a medley of folk songs.
