Senator Roxanne Persaud of the 19th Senate District in Brooklyn, last Thursday, Aug. 25 presented newly appointed Guyana Consul General, New York, Barbara Atherly, with a citation, during a welcome reception at the Princeton Club on Manhattan’s Westside.
The citation in part, recognizes Atherly’s appointment as a testament to her compassion and vision for changing lives, and creating opportunities in the Guyanese community where growth and productivity can thrive.
Deputy Consul General of Guyana, NY, Jacquelyn Hamer and consul staff, collaborated with Patricia-Jordon-Langford, to host the reception for CG Atherly, a former United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) educator who served in conflict countries: Syria, Afghanistan, Mozambique, India and Bangladesh.
In her remarks, DCG Hamer, assured the audience that they would come to know CG Barbara Atherly as she discharges her mandate entrusted to her as the official face of Guyana in the NY area, and its environs.
“The significance of this event is to honor a new consul general, and welcome our newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, Riyad Insanally, and Ambassador to the United Nation, Randolph M. Ten-Pow, during the 50th year of Guyana’s Independence Anniversary,” noted Hamer.
“These appointments are a testimony to the government of Guyana protecting and promoting its interests, pursing a vigorous economic development policy and strengthening relations with the diaspora — central pillars of its foreign policy at this critical juncture of Guyana’s development.”
Hamer lauding Atherly for the wealth of experience she brings to the consulate, as a trained teacher. She also headed several projects at the Guyana International Development Bank, and served 20 years as an educator with UNICEF.
During her presentation to the reception, emcee by Counsellor Beverly McDonald, CG Atherly said she was deeply honored to serve the Guyanese people while promoting Guyana’s national interests.
She thanked former Consul General Brentnold Evans for his sterling 23 years of service, as well as DCG Hamer, and staff, stating, “we will work together to support the ideals and goals of Guyana and further enhance the people of our country.”
She acknowledged Noel Sinclair, former ambassador to the UN, as a mentor to the diplomatic community, and someone who will continue to share the rich experience he acquired while in the foreign service.
Atherly applauded Mrs. Sree Gururaja — a former colleague — for the encouragement the UN Envoy imparted that helped her to succeed in the diplomat Corp, before thanking her siblings, and husband, Maj. General Ret. Michael for the love and support they showered on her over the years.
Noting that Guyanese citizens number in excess of 400,000 in the United States, about 140,000 living in the NY area alone, she promised, with the help of her staff, to provide the Diaspora with courteous and efficient service, while opening opportunities for trade and investment.
“This year we celebrate our 50th Independence Anniversary under the theme, Reflect, Celebrate, Inspire. We have come a long way, but much more could be done to further develop our nation.”
“We will be inspired by our oil production, which will bring its own dynamics and change in our country. Your contribution will help in this regard, and in the development our dear homeland,” she added.
Former Ambassador Sinclair congratulated the consul general during the proceedings that was attended by CARICOM representatives, Dr. Una Clarke, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, the British Virgin Island Tourist Board, and UN dignitaries, among others.
Anthony Allen sang the national anthems of Guyana and United States, while pannist, Michael Jahpan Williams provided steelpan music. Mercedes Pierre blessed the evening with a prayer from Guyana’s indigenous people.
