Dear Editor,
Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Ambassador Michael Brotherson praised Guyana government’s visionary path of ‘sustainable and equitable development for all Guyanese,’ in his uplifting speech at the Flag Raising Ceremony in the Town of Hempstead, Long Island on May 17, 2024, on the observance of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary. This day was also extra special for the career diplomat with 30 years’ service to his credit and who happens to be the first Guyana’s Consul General to receive an award of excellence from the Town of Hempstead at the 58th Independence Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony.
Ambassador Brotherson was gracious in his remarks when he expressed gratitude to the Town of Hempstead for the award they bestowed upon him. “I am indeed honored and humbled, and I accept it in the name of all of Guyana.” He continued: “Guyana today remains a beautifully diverse, yet unified country.” Mindful of the country’s charismatic leader’s role in promoting unity and equity, Ambassador Brotherson declared, “Under President Ali’s shrewd leadership and progressive vision for a ‘One Guyana,’ the country has moved to unprecedented levels of economic growth and continues to make great progress in all the areas of development…. This noble objective of ‘One Guyana’ has at its core the sustainable and equitable development and prosperity for all Guyanese.”
Hempstead is an ethnically diverse township with a population of 800,000 (equivalent to the size of Guyana’s population) and has a vibrant Guyanese community that adds richness to its growth and vitality. The Town affairs is managed by a ‘Supervisor’ who has a similar status as a ‘Mayor.’ This role is held by Mr. Don Clavin who also conferred an award on Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Witnessing the Flag Raising Ceremony were staff members of Guyana’s diplomatic missions in New York and members of the Hempstead community. Dignitaries included Trustee Ms. Clariona Griffith (who is a Guyanese and who has been influential in helping to organize the event); Hempstead Town Clerk, Kate Murray; Community Affairs Executive Director, Zahid Syed; Ms. Trudy King, Organizer; Mr. Fazal ‘Joe’ Yussuff, Advisor on Investment & Diaspora Affairs at the NY Guyana Consulate, among others.
This Flag Raising event was hosted by Supervisor Mr. Don Clavin, the Hempstead Town Board, and the Department of Public Affairs and put together by the Apostolic Caribbean Christians (ACC). Ambassador Brotherson having thanked Supervisor Mr. Clavin, the Hempstead Town Board, and the Department of Community Affairs for hosting the flag raising ceremony in observance of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary, proceeded to remind attendees that on May 24, 2024, the Guyana Consul General in conjunction with the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN, and the Office of the Mayor of New York City will host a major Flag Raising ceremony at the historic Bowling Green Park in Manhattan, New York City. Guyana is on the forward march and the good life that had eluded Guyanese for decades would soon get into their grasp. Guyanese must seize the moment!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tara Singh
