The Guyana Action Committee (GAC), on April 10 lived up to its name when the non-for-profit put on an action-packed Pre-50th Independence Anniversary Brunch, and carried out its charitable motto by presenting First Lady of the Republic of Guyana, Mrs. Sandra Granger, and Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, wife of First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo, with 200 pairs of shoes for Guyana’s underprivileged children, as part of President David Granger’s humanitarian initiative.
The evening began with a serenade by saxophonist Sou Flantis to welcome the wives of Guyana’s politicians, to celebrate the Republic’s upcoming Golden Jubilee on May 26.
The women, who ended a weekend of activities that included an Awards Gala, and conferences in Queens and Brooklyn, graciously accepted Resolution plaques from Consul General of Guyana, New York, H.E. Brentnold Evans, and Guyana Heritage Committee president, Lady Ira Lewis, on behalf of the County of Essex, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders, and President Britnee N. Timberlake.
Granger thanked GAC, and praised members for their steadfast commitment to charitable causes, and the donation of footwear to outfit children in the hinterland areas of Guyana.
Nagamootoo was vocal about Guyanese uniting for the common cause — their country, and called on nationals to band together as Guyanese first, not race.
GAC also honored members of the community whose work has affected the lives of others. Community Service Awards went to: Beryl James, retired residential counselor of the Boys Hope Girls Hope Boarding Program at Catherine McAuley High School in Brooklyn, Erwin Edwards AKA Sou Flantis, Ex- Guyana Police Force Band member and noted saxophonist, and Ten-year old Kaeli V. Ferguson, designer of a “balloon powered car” and #1 winner of the 5th grade Science Fair.
Others included Kevin L. Smith, an Albany businessman, who established the Golden Grove, Guyana Youth Center, a gym for young and old, an ice cream parlor and a rental vocational home in his village.
Oswald Bob, cultural enabler, professional videographer and photographer also received an honor, as well as, Samantha Dow-Hankerson, adjunct professor, former councilwoman, certified etiquette specialist, and mentor, and Trevlyn O. Headley, New York police officer, pallbearer and color guard for the NYPD Ceremonial Unit.
The evening, punctuated by Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, and love of country, included performances by Soca King, Adrian Dutchin of “I Am a Guyanese” fame, Terry’s One Man Band. Presentations by little dancer, Timothy Bobb and Brown Belt NinJa Kale Ferguson capped off the glimpse of Guyana’s upcoming Golden Jubilee.
Fiftieth Independence Anniversary memorable items that were on display at the event, could be viewed at www.bonel
