Mayor Ted R. Green lauds Guyanese as fabric of community at 57th Anniversary of Independence

Mayor Ted R. Green and Assembly Woman Britnee N. Timberlake honored Guyana’s political independence from British rule on May 26, 1966 with a flag raising ceremony on East Orange City Hall Plaza, to mark the country’s 57th Anniversary.

Mayor Green, on June 9, thanked Lady Ira Lewis, president of the Guyana American Heritage Foundation (GAHF), for bringing the commemoration every year to City Hall, and applauded Guyanese who he said were the “fabric of this community,” during the celebration that attracted many nationals carrying the Golden Arrowhead flag.

“We thank all of you for coming here to celebrate your independence with love, joy, and pride. You are that melting pot of what we do here in City Hall. On behalf of the mayor and City Councilmembers, we welcome you,” said Mayor Green.

“This city is made up of different cultures. I want you to shout, and dance and enjoy your celebration. May God continue to bless all of you. Let’s work together in one unity,” he added.

Mayor of the City of East Orange, NJ Ted R. Green, addresses expatriates at the 57th Anniversary of Independence on City Hall Plaza. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Lady Ira Lewis reminded nationals about the struggles their forefathers endured so that they can be free, and commended the homeland for its achievement, noting that Guyana has come a long way to 57 years. “This is a historic moment. Without our culture, we could be a lost nation,” said the community icon.

Lewis, who has led the organization for some 14 years, joined citizens in raising the Golden Arrowhead flag of achievement, after which, the song, “We welcome Independence to Guyana,” and “Happy Birthday Guyana,” filled the air over the celebration. This was followed by a history note of Guyana’s six races of peoples by community youths.

Twelve-year-old Shiyloh Lewis accepting an award from Lady Ira Lewis, her grandmother, for her outstanding community work and educational pursuits. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Guyanese who have made outstanding contributions at home and abroad were presented with awards and resolutions from the office of Assembly Woman Britee Timberlake.

They are Dr. Terrance Blackman, Trailblazer; Rev. Ingrid Herod Van-Sertima, Lifetime; Tangerine Clarke, Humanitarian; Deacon Edwards & Jergine Broomes, Community Service; Ismay Restaurant, Honorable; A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, Appreciation; Nerissa Party Rentals, Decorative; and Natural Black, Entertainer.

Minister Iona Adams and Pandit Vishandarr, blessed and saluted the commemoration while 12-year-old Shiyloh Lewis sang the Guyana National Anthem. Greetings from the government of Guyana were read at the ceremony.

Fazil “Joe” Yusseff, representing the New York Consulate commended Guyana for overcoming challenges to reach a milestone of 57 years as an independent nation, while sharing that the country is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Expatriates during a symbolic candlelight and wreath ceremony on the steps of East Orange City Hall to mourn the loss 20 children who perished in a fire in Mahdia, Guyana. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“The Guyana of today is vastly different from the Guyana 57 years ago,” he said, noting the country’s development in housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and first-rate education, as testaments to its trajectory.

On behalf of President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Consul General Michael Brotherson, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett, and the country, Yusseff extended Happy Independence, and expressed sadness on the tragic loss of 20 children in a school dormitory fire in Region 8 Mahdia. The country instead, held vigils, instead of independence festivities.

“As Guyanese, here in the Diaspora and at home, we put our differences aside and come together. We are committed to our motto as one people, one nation with a common destiny.”

Keynote speaker, Dr. Terrance Blackman in turn, called on expats to embrace the spirit of independence and unity “as we progress toward a brighter future.”

“Let us build a Guyana that thrives on inclusivity, diversity, and shared prosperity. On this 57th anniversary of our independence, let us proudly celebrate our Guyanese heritage and recommit ourselves to our beloved nation’s continued progress and development.

“It is an honor to address this esteemed audience and celebrate the spirit of Guyanese patriotism and unity,” said Blackman.

Dr. Terrence Blackman, Medgar Evers professor, keynote speaker at Guyana’s 57th Anniversary of Independence being presented with the Trailblazer Award from Lady Ira Lewis at the East Orange City Hall Plaza, NJ. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Over half a century ago, Guyana, a country with immense potential, celebrated its political emancipation from over two centuries of British colonial rule. Our Founding Fathers understood the challenges of Independence, and though the road was difficult, their determination and resilience guided us toward self-governance.

“We pay tribute to the visionaries and leaders who fought for our freedom and paved the way for our independence. It is a celebration of our cultural heritage and an opportunity to strengthen our national pride, he said.

“Our rich mosaic of cultures strengthens our identity and fosters unity among our people, both at home and abroad,” said Dr. Blackman.

A symbolic candlelight and wreath ceremony, on the steps of East Orange City Hall, remembered Guyana’s children who perished, in a school dormitory in Mahdia.

Guyanese also enjoyed entertainment by the Fanoko Drummers, Undertakers One Man Band, Natural Black, among others.

Lady Ira Lewis expressed thanks to Sandra Heart, who served as emcee, and committee members: Brenda Telford, Donna Marshal, Conrad McPherson, Janet Mitchell, Sadie Richardson, Rafeeza Shahabudeen, Michael Campbell, Collette Boston, Kheron Telford, Grace Bynoe, Keith Wade, Steve Lewis, Janet Mitchell, and Enid Wilson, for their commitment.