Hempstead Town Board celebrates Guyanese heritage at 58th Independence Anniversary flag raising ceremony

Don Clavin, supervisor of Hampstead Town Board, on May 17, joined Consul General Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, and Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, to celebrate the heritage of Guyanese at the 58th Independence Anniversary flag raising ceremony.

Clavin who hoisted the Golden Arrowhead flag, along with the diplomats, and Advisor on Investment & Diaspora Affairs Fazal Joe Yussuff, spoke of the importance of Guyanese being civically engaged in Hempstead, and acknowledged the town’s commitment to embracing people from all walks of life, honoring their history and the significance of being in unison, during his remarks at the Dorothy L. Goosby Plaza.

The politician noted that compatriots is an asset to the largest diverse town in America, and applauded them for their contributions, and brining their culture, to the community.

“It’s important to note that Hempstead is a great place to live, work, and raise your children, but it’s the diversity of the town which makes it very special. We always love having events like this here because you are a fabric of this society.”

Clavin who lauded the diplomats for traveling from Manhattan on a Friday evening to participate in the ceremony, added, “we are blessed to have you here. Thank you all for joining in this wonderful celebration. From all my colleagues in government, thank you.”

He also recognized the exceptional work Zahid Syed have done to expand the Cultural Affairs Department, thanked Jose and Jevanah, for coming together to sing national anthems from their individual countries, and recognized Jamaican, Trudy King, organizer, and Guyanese-born Clariona D. Griffith, who serves as a Trustee.

Jamaican-born Trudy King, organizer, left, is photographed with Don Clavin, after Ambassadors, Michael E. Brotherson, and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett were presented with Citations from the Town of Hempstead, during a Flag Raising ceremony on the Dorothy L. Goosby Plaza. Zayid Syed, Executive Director, Community Affairs is at right.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

CG Brotherson who was bestowed with a Citation, thanked the Town of Hempstead for the honor, on behalf of his homeland, and recalled Guyana’s journey to nationhood from colonial rule, to becoming a respected member of the international community, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

“Today, we can boast of a Guyana that is not only a rapidly developing country, but also one in which all Guyanese stand to reap and enjoy the benefits of this development.”

“All Guyanese have a responsibility to ensure that the freedoms those who came before us fought for, continue to be cherished and are celebrated by all generations. The role of the Guyanese diaspora will always remain relevant, as is evident in your presence here today,” said Ambassador Brotherson.

“We can boast of our exceptional achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, the rights of women, children and workers, gender equality, and human rights.”

“Under President Ali’s shrewd leadership and progressive vision for a ‘One Guyana’, Guyana has moved to unprecedented levels of economic growth and continues to make great progress in all the areas of development. Our nation is set to achieve much more in the years ahead. This noble objective of ‘One Guyana’ has at its core the sustainable and equitable development of Guyana and the ultimate prosperity of all Guyanese.

Compatriots, dressed in their national colors, carrying flags, listened as CG Brotherson called them proud members of the Guyanese Diaspora who have indelible and unwavering affinity for their country.

Supervisor Don Clavin, Hempstead Town Board, left, Consul General of Guyana in New York, Michael E. Brotherson, hoisting the the Golden Arrowhead flag over the Dorothy L. Goosby Park, in Hempstead Township, Long Island, to celebrate Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary, as Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, and Advisor on Investment & Diaspora Affairs Fazal Joe Yussuff, look on. The ceremony was held on on May 17.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“Your contribution to your homeland is very critical and you have done exceedingly well in advocating for your country and contributing to its development. You’re always welcome to return home to assist in the development process, advance and share your expertise in your many areas of competence, and wherever there are opportunities in Guyana.”

“The Government of Guyana is committed to the prosperity of all Guyanese and is sparing no effort to ensure that the appropriate policies and programs are put in place to help achieve this goal,” he assured.

“My sincere gratitude to Supervisor Don Clavin, the Hempstead Town Board, and the Department of Community Affairs for yet another flag raising ceremony in observance of Guyana’s Independence Anniversary. Your efforts have been etched in the hearts of all Guyanese, especially those who are members of this great community of Hempstead. A special thank you to Trustee Clariona Griffith who is a Guyanese and who has been influential in organizing today’s event.  Happy Independence to all,” he concluded.

Ambassador Rodrigues Burkett, who was presented with a Citation, in turn, expressed pleasure, at being in Hampstead to commemorate Guyana’s 58th Anniversary of Independence, and thanked Supervisor Clavin and the town of Hempstead for the invitation.

The diplomat then quipped, that the town of Hempstead has a population of close to 800,000 people, which is more than the population of Guyana, but is smaller in square miles compared to the Republic.

However, she said, “wherever we live, whether in Guyana or the town of Hempstead, what we have in common, is that we all want to live in a safe place, at a decent standard of living.”

Ambassadors Michael E. Brotherson, and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, cut an Independence cake, after raising the Golden Arrowhead flag over the Dorothy L. Goosby Plaza, in Hempstead Township, Long Island on May 17.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“Anniversaries allow us to reflect on our journey and what we still must do, but also to look for opportunities to make a difference. Guyana is experiencing a rapid pace of transformation,” she stated.

“It is the first time since independence in 1966 that we are able to take action on some of the things that we desired for a long time, because we are using some of the revenue that we are earning from out oil discovery.”

Ambassador Rodrigues Birkett said that Guyanese should be proud that the Republic is the second country in the world with the largest forest cover per capita, 460 times the size of the town of Hempstead, she mused.

“We are investing in health, infrastructure, education, and agriculture, we also try to maintain good relations with friends and allies, and in this respect, we have a very special relationship with the United States of America, our largest trading partner, and the home of the largest diaspora population.”

“Guyanese are contributing to the U.S. and back home we are very proud of that. To the people of the diaspora, I know that part of your heart is here, but the geography of the heart also allows you to have a place in it for Guyana. Whenever you can, or however you can, don’t forget that you have a part to play in the development of Guyana. We value your skills to bring back home.”

She said whatever happens across the world, affects Guyana, and alluded to the war in Ukraine that affect the prices Guyana has to pay for goods and services, while mentioning the war in Gaza, and the world, where diversity plays a part in disputes, adding, prayers for the world is needed, so that Guyana could continue to celebrate many Independence anniversaries, knowing that there is peace in Guyana, and the world. Happy 58th Independence Anniversary to you all, she concluded.

The patriotic commemoration attended by a cross-section of the diaspora, was honored with poem, “A tribute to Guyana” written by Williams, and read by Sherry Williams.  Folk singer Wrickford Dalgetty’s nostalgic medley, DJ music, and delectable cuisine made the celebration memorable.

Special thanks to Viburt Bernard, Sybil’s Restaurant, Occupy United He Comes (ACC), Together we Serve, Tayna’s Care, and staff of the Consulate and Mission.

Another 58th Independence Anniversary flag raising ceremony will be held at historic Bowling Green square, Broadway & Whitehall Street, Lower Manhattan on Friday, May 24, at 11 a.m.