Dear Editor,
Too many died from the senseless act of violence on 9/11, including several from the Caribbean. Guyana lost 25 and Trinidad 14. There were also victims from Jamaica and several other islands. On Sunday afternoon, a couple of hundred Guyanese gathered to remember the victims and give support to their families at the Nareesa Palace on Rockaway Blvd and 115 Street in greater Richmond Hill. The owner of the hall donated his place free for the memorial. The event was organized by Guyanese community leader Indra Seet and other dedicated colleagues with music supplied by Stars International band. This was the third annual remembrance held at that location organized by Indra Seet.
The remembrance ceremony was in honour of those who died and those who have maintained the spirit of unity and compassion for the past decade and it was a tribute to the deceased, to the city and the country. Speakers poured out tributes to the victims. A candlelight ceremony was held exactly at 6pm inside the hall, when people took a moment to reflect and remember. The vigil was quite touching, leading to tears. Several politicians and community leaders attended the event.
Performers rendered old-time Bollywood love songs appropriate for the occasion. The organizers also treated the audience to a delicious West Indian meal. There were people of all faiths and backgrounds. People attached much importance to the ceremony. A Guyanese moulvi came all the way from New Jersey to play music on his mandolin and read his poem dedicated to the victims and condemning the attackers. People of all backgrounds were united in grief.
Indra and her group deserve a lot of credit for their work among families trying to provide services that meet community needs. She organized several entertainment programmes throughout the year for the community. And her group has sought to involve the youths in events trying to empower the teens so they won’t go astray, offering programmes and services that focus on education, leadership, and life skills.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
