I write to applaud the NY-based Guyanese for their generosity in rising to the occasion to assist our Haitian brethren when calamity struck last month. The Richmond Hill and Jamaica based Guyanese community held a couple of fundraising concerts collecting thousands of dollars last month for victims of Haiti’s earthquake that devastated the island. All the artistes participated in the gala concerts for free, and it was very good entertainment. Real estate tycoons, lawyers, business owners and commoners came out to support the concerts and make hefty donations. Several people prepared meals for the gathering.
One concert was held at Chateau Royale, the posh Richmond Hill catering hall owned by Guyanese Ed Ahmad. Dr Dhanpaul Narine and the Shri Trimurthi Mandir spearheaded the planning and organizing of the event. Other temples joined the effort. The other concert was held at the American Sevashram Sangha, the NY branch of the ashram at Cove and John. Dr Tara Singh and Shrad Kublall were the key organizers. People turned out en masse to donate to the worthwhile cause. Performers from various mandirs entertained the large crowds with Bollywood film and spiritual songs and dances. Hindu prayers were also offered for the victims. And several speakers talked about the distressing situation in Haiti and what more can be done to aid the country in its rebuilding drive.
Separately, Guyanese mandirs in Queens participated in a clothing and food drive for the victims. Funds were also collected at the mandirs and donated to the Red Cross and the Bush-Clinton rebuilding initiative for Haiti. The organizers of the concerts, donors, and owners of the concert halls are commended for their efforts. A few Haitian community leaders from Brooklyn showed up at the concerts to express their appreciation to the Guyanese for their assistance in trying to help Haiti.
Yours faithfully
Vishnu Bisram
