Guyanese contingent illuminate folk festival, 57th carnival on Eastern Parkway

Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead flag of freedom and the One Guyana slogan flag were joyfully waved by a delegation that included Oneidge Walron, the Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, and Susan Rodrigues, the Minister of Housing and Water.

Consul General of Guyana to NY Michael E. Brotherson, Fazal Yussuff, head of the diaspora and investment unit, and compatriots all had a wonderful time at the mesmerizing 57th Caribbean American Carnival, which celebrated One Caribbean, One People, One Voice on Eastern Parkway last Monday.

The contingent also included Ambassador Zulfikar Ally, Claire Patterson-Monah, Miss Immigrant 2024 Sebena Sankar, Chutney artists Terry Gajraj, and Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin. The government of Guyana collaborated with NOMADS Costume bandleader Marlon Jacobs for the road march presentation.

Rodrigues and Walron, who came to New York to participate in the Labor Day week of festivities, were welcomed on Sept. 1 the Annual Guyana Folk Festival fun day at Old Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn.

The politicians engaged in a meet and greet with vendors, patrons, and local elected officials before sitting down to enjoy a pulsating cultural presentation.

The elected officials, who were special guests at the WIADCA Breakfast Morning in East New York, interacted with Senator James Sanders Jr. and Trinidad-born Hazrat Ali, the community affairs partner for Caribbean American Heritage Month, office of Mayor Adams. They also had a photo opportunity with Guyanese heritage First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella.

Waldron, who noted that it was a pleasure representing President Irfaan Ali, who had tasked her, and Minister Rodrigues with the duty of representing the Republic at the Labor Day week of festivities, implored Guyanese to stay united.

“I‘m here on behalf of President Ali, who asked Minister Rodriguez and myself to come out to attend these events and then participate in the Labor Day activities because wherever Guyanese are gathered, we are excited to be there to reach out and to come together and understand the true Guyanese spirit. I want to congratulate the Cultural Association for continuing this important festival, especially to the diaspora.”

“We celebrate our traditions and who we are as Guyanese. It is what ensures the continuity that is part of the theme for the festival. It is for our children and our children’s children to understand who we are as Guyanese. We are one people with one destiny, and today is an opportunity for us to celebrate that.” 

The One Guyana masqueraders in collaboration with NOMADS costume band leader Marlon Jacobs, on Eastern Parkway.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

She spoke passionately of Guyana’s tourism product, noting the country’s magnificent eco-tourism, rainforest, and biodiversity, all of which have won international prizes.

She called on nationals to unite, saying that dynamism happens when they do. “That is where the impact happens,” she said, reminding Guyanese that they can all be individuals but come together to celebrate each other.

“We make a greater impact as a nation, as a people, when we walk together, celebrate, cry, pray together, and come together in unity. I pray that we continue to celebrate with the spirit of harmony,” said the politician, thanking GCA for the invitation.

In her remarks, her colleague, Minister Rodrigues, said it was a pleasure to celebrate Guyanese culture, cuisine, and the arts. She noted that she had attended the same grand folk festival in the UK and that it was great to see so many Guyanese coming together for a common cause to celebrate “our uniqueness and diversity that is one of the Republic’s greatest assets.”

“Our country is blessed with natural resources. One of the most important things is this is a very active and engaged diaspora, one of the largest contingents in New York. It is something that is very important for our Guyanese brothers and sisters back home and all of you to recognize the important role that you play.”

She said citizens who left Guyana many years ago for whatever reason but never lost touch with their homeland may have been shocked to learn that the Republic had discovered oil in 2016.

Adding that the discovery changed everything for the Guyanese people, he assured that President Ali and his government are leading in a way that ensures that economic prosperity comes to the home of every Guyanese while bringing the country together.

She reiterated that “wherever Guyanese are gathered, we will be present among you, in the churches, temples, schools, bottom houses, villages, because as leaders, we must walk among our people to recognize the challenges they face.”

“This will keep us grounded and help us to be better leaders said Rodrigues, adding that her government can be proactive, ensuring that the way we lead and govern and the decisions that we make have a positive impact on the lives of all Guyanese, whether you live in Guyana or overseas, she said.

CG Michael E. Brotherson, who accompanied the ministers, said he was delighted to attend the grand folk festival organized by GCA each year. It is a testimony to what the diaspora does for our country. The idea is for us to advocate and propagate for Guyana. GCA is worthy of recognition and support.” 

Ambassador Brotherson acknowledged Fazal Yussuff of the Diaspora Unit, AveMarie Brewster-Haynes, president of GCA, and executive members Claire Patterson-Monah and Patricia Jordan-Langford in the audience.

“The consulate has a mandate to ensure that our diaspora relations are firm, that our people who live here and beyond continue to be associated with their country of their birth. Back home, at the level of government, your support and efforts are well recognized and welcomed. You are part of Guyana, and its development involves you,” said CG Brotherson.

“Feel free always to engage the consulate. Know that we are here to support you and want you to be associated with us,” urged CG Brotherson.