Guyana at 60: New York City Council plans diamond jubilee celebration
The New York City Council will be honoring a few Guyanese with proclamations, while other New York Elected official will present Certificates to the remaining nationals in recognition of the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary, themed: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration – in City Hall Chambers on Wednesday, May 27, at 5 p.m.
The 60 distinguished Guyanese patriots of homeland Guyana and abroad, have shaped New York City and State governance, the arts, education, health, community development, and the global footprint.
Their work resonates from Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx to Georgetown, from the diaspora to Guyana’s shores, forging a durable diamond of resilience, creativity, and service.
The 60th Independence Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) honorees are musician Adrian Dutchin; District Leader Albert Baldeo; Legislator Alicia Hyndman; journalist Alim Hassim; Olympian Aliyah Abrams; Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson; Aminta Kilawan-Narine, Esq., Angels Caribbean Band; and Avé Maria Brewster Haynes, who is President of the Guyana Cultural Association.
Others are social service leader Berlinda Persaud; cultural ambassador Bharati Sukul Kemraj; 80th Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin; actress Carol Catherine Hilaria (CCH) Pounder; captain Haslyn Peters; healthcare Executive Claire Patterson-Monah; singer, director Courtney Noel; entrepreneur Dave Narine; entrepreneur Doris Rodney; educator Dr. Dhanpaul Narine; academic leader Dr. Ivelaw Griffith; radio host Dr. Linda Felix; community advocate Dr. Mohamed Hack; cultural enabler Dr. Monica Sanchez; cultural ambassador Dr. Rose October; educator Dr. Terrence Blackman; educator Dr. Vibert Cambridge; scientist Dr. Vincent Adams; neighborhood leader Edgar Henry, and educator Faiuze Ali.
Others to receive awards are journalist Fitzgerald (JR) Giddings; educator Harold Miller; educator Ingrid Joseph; consular specialist Isaiah Chappelle; legislator Jabari Brisport; poet, pastor James C. Richmond; community advocate Joan Alexander Bakiriddin; community organizer Jonnel C. Doris, journalist Joy Reid; community organizer Khari Edwards; cultural advocate Lady Ira Lewis; Melnia Cordis, Esq.; community organizer Mohamed Q Amin; community organizer Patricia Jordan-Langford; district leader Richard David; civic leader Rickford Burke; fashion designer Roger Gary, legislator Roxanne J. Persaud; entrepreneur Rozanna Beaumont; business leader Rupnarine Harricharan; and Clergy Shayk Sarfraz Bacchus.
District manager Sherif Fraser; sportsman Sir Clive Lloyd; arts administrator Sonia Daly; journalist Tangerine Clarke; entrepreneur Tony Singh; entrepreneur Viburt Bernard; musician Wrickford Dalgetty; educator Zamal Sankar; dancer Zaman Mohamed Amin; and Musician Singer Dr. Terry Gajraj make up the list of honorees.
Under the Government of Guyana’s overall theme: “The Homecoming, encouraging Guyanese to return, reconnect, and celebrate 60 years of Independence,” the nation that gained its independence from British rule on May 26, 1966, will be showcased at the momentous City Council event.
In addition, to music, dance, and a diverse Guyanese cuisine, nationals will be entertained by a Cultural presentation to showcases the multicultural heritage of the six races of people. Pannist Rudy Bishop, and singer Terry Gajraj, among others, are scheduled to perform.
Poet James Richmond, organizer of the commemoration, and CBS TV Award-winning reporter, anchor, Jennifer Bisram, will serve as emcees.
