Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly, on Feb. 11, launched the Friends of Guyana Consulate initiative, to engage nationals of political organization, disciplined services, religious organization, and alumni, that encompasses the six races of Guyana, in a unified setting.
To this end the newly formed body, under the auspices of the Guyana Consulate, will commemorate Guyana 47th Republic Anniversary, on Feb. 24, at 6 pm.
The cultural evening and cocktail reception will also showcase the works of Guyanese artists at the Consulate, 308 W 38th Street, in Manhattan.
The diplomat who has over 20 years experience working with UNIFEC in ethnically mixed countries, said she knows what unity can do for a nation, and called on Guyanese, divided by the boroughs, of Queens and Brooklyn, and who are friends of the Guyana Consulate, to work together to showcase their country’s rich cultural heritage.
The insightful gathering which shared ideas and suggestions on how best to work together for the successful showcasing of national events such as Republic and Independence commemorations, and festivals including Phagwah and Diwali to be held in New York was attended by Deputy Consul General Jacquelyn Hamer and leaders of organizations.
“As community, we should not plan in isolation but plan together and share ideas with each other to make sure whatever we do, we do it as a Guyanese community, not as each grouping,” she said.
“This is a beginning to make sure that when there is a national event, there is representation across the spectrum. I want to see people going to Queens, and people from Queens coming into Brooklyn,” she said.
The consulate has enhanced its services, through a new telephone system and state-of-the art interactive website to keep the public informed.
To learn more visit www.guyan
