Twelve groups were yesterday presented with appointments to the Order of Service of Guyana for their contributions to the nation’s development.
President David Granger conferred the Medal of Service to the groups at the National Awards Investiture Ceremony, which was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The awards were announced on December 31 last year.
The groups honoured were the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), the Central Assembly of God Church, the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, the Guyana Islamic Trust, the Guyana Veterans Legion, the Makushi Research Unit, Mings Products and Services Limited, the National Dance Company of Guyana, the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc., the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, the South Central People’s Development Association and the Theatre Guild of Guyana.
ACDA was awarded for outstanding service over the past 23 years in promoting harmonious race relations, community development and, in association with international organisations, for advancing the educational, social and economic development of Guyana.
Receiving the award on behalf of ACDA was Aisha Jean-Baptiste, who told Stabroek News that it was an honour for the organisation to be recognised given its continued work not only in Georgetown but throughout Guyana. She added that ACDA’s members are to be commended because the hours they put in are voluntary and they are often in the background and not recognised for what they are doing.
The Central Assembly of God Church was awarded for its outstanding role in providing religious, special and educational leadership. The award was received by Senior Pastor John Smith.
The E.R. Burrowes School of Art was awarded for its sustained contributions in the development of the fine arts. The award was received by Administrator Ivor Thom, who stated that it will help to push the school given that art in Guyana is not given the recognition it deserves. He added that it is the school’s plan to be more relevant in order to develop the nation further.
Mohamod Mujay, the Chairman of the Board of Electors of the Guyana Islamic Trust, received the award on behalf of the organisation. It was awarded for its sustained and outstanding service as a social and religious organisation and its partnership with local communities in
which it constructed three schools.
The Guyana Veterans Legion was awarded for its long and dedicated service in promoting harmonious relations, support, counselling and accommodation for veterans of World Wars 1 and 2 and the Guyana Defence Force. The award was received by George Gomes.
The Makushi Research Unit was awarded for its indefatigable efforts in reviving the indigenous culture of the Makushi People of the North Rupununi by the teaching and translating as well as the publication of books in the Makushi language. The award was received by Paulette Allicock, who expressed much gratitude for the Unit’s receipt of the award, while noting that it was the first time it was recognised nationally.
Mings Products and Services Limited was awarded for its 25 years of outstanding service to Guyana in the distribution of quality products and the development of good business, customer and community relations. Dr. Michelle Ming received the award on behalf of the company along with two other directors, Audrey Forde and John Chin.
The National Dance Company was awarded for its long and considerable contribution in the field of dance and its unwavering commitment to develop and promote the art form. Director Vivienne Daniels stated that the award would encourage the dancers.
The Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc was awarded for its dedicated and outstanding service in the field of education and in community and social work. The award was received by CEO Yetrawatee Katryan.
The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club was awarded for its outstanding service over the past 25 years in the fields of sports, education and community development. The award was received by Hilbert Foster, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation.
The South Central People’s Development Association was awarded for the resource management of Wapishan traditional lands and communities in the South Rupununi through empowerment of the Indigenous peoples, poverty reduction and sustainable use of traditional lands. The award was received by the president Cedric Buckley.
The Theatre Guild of Guyana was awarded for its considerable and meritorious contributions in the form of production and performance in the theatre arts. This award was received by the oldest surviving member, Daphne Rogers.
In his address, President Granger noted that the national awards constitute an important institution of the state and he emphasised that they were conferred based on invitations for nominations transmitted in the media countrywide and selection by the Advisory Council of the Orders of Guyana under the chairmanship of the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh.
Granger also noted that the Medal of Service acknowledges the achievements of groups and, in particular, those whose sacrifice, selflessness, success and service to their communities, country and society have been consistent and of a high quality.
“National Awards are a reflection of the respect and reverence of a grateful nation. We know that you have laboured over a long period of time,” he said.
“We applaud your accomplishments. We appreciate the outstanding service that you have rendered. We commend you for your commitment to the common good,” he added, while noting that the country encourages them to continue, through precept and example, to serve the country and community.
He said too that civil society and non-governmental organisations are deserving of admiration and emulation by the nation, especially by young Guyanese, and he pointed out that such groups have helped build the nation.
The ceremony was also attended by First Lady Sandra Granger along with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo, among other dignitaries.
