In a show of honor and unity, Michael E. Brotherson, Guyana’s Consul General to New York, joined Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to host members of the diaspora at an Interfaith Service on Sunday, Feb. 22, marking the eve of Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary.
Despite the inclement weather, St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church at 331 Hawthorne St., Brooklyn, was a sea of the colors that represent the Golden Arrowhead flag of Freedom, during the first Sunday of Lent.
The Very Reverend Canon Donovan Ivanhoe Leys, in his in-depth scripture theme encouraging a year of growth, deep introspection, meaningful connections, and individual realignment with Christian values, reminded the gathering of the importance of relationships with one another.
“My sisters and brothers know what it is to be self-sufficient. To establish an identity on our own. And when we can move beyond that. We will recognize that, as beloved children of God, God calls us simply to be in a relationship with him. And by extension. To be in a relationship with each other. Amen, expressed Reverend Leys.
Ambassador Brotherson, and a delegation including, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assembly Member Alisha Hyndman, (GDF) Defence Attachè at the Embassy of Guyana in the United States, Colonel Julius Skeete, President of the Guyana Cultural Association Ave-Marie Brewster-Haynes, and the Caribbean Consular Corps, among others, were welcomed and congratulated by church elders, on the achievement of Guyana’s 56th Republic Status.
Pandit Rvi Doobay, elder of the Maha Lakshmi Mandir Inc., said Guyana created the story based on one of unity through diversity, from “our indigenous heritage, the descendants of Africa, India, China, Portugal, our nation became a tapestry of cultures and faiths living, side by side. That spirit of interfaith harmony is why today’s gathering is so meaningful.”
“Our ancestors have given us a message from India. – Vasudevan Kutumbam, meaning the whole world is one,” shared Pandit Doobay.
Ambassador Brotherson, in his remarks, acknowledged the importance of the Guyanese Diaspora in New York, noting. “Your continued engagement and pride in our homeland offer deeper meaning to this celebration. It gives me immense pleasure to bring you greetings from His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the entire Government and people of Guyana.”
“Each year, we come together to celebrate Guyana’s journey since attaining Republican status on February 23, 1970. This occasion is not only about making an important date in our history, but also about reflecting on the progress, growth, and transformation of our nation over the years. It is in this spirit that Mashramani was born, an Amerindian word meaning celebration after hard work.”
“Our Republican status was achieved through the determination, resilience, and unity of the Guyanese people. As the popular Guyanese saying goes. One, one dutty build dam (Guyanese colloquialism) reminding us that meaningful progress does not happen overnight, but through patience, consistency, and collective effort.”
The diplomat reflected on the country’s progress, saying. “People are at the center of Guyana’s development. This philosophy is consistent with the Government’s 2026 Budget theme and broader national agenda: Development must be by the people and for the people.”
Noting that NY is home to one of the largest Guyanese communities outside of Guyana, CG Brotherson acknowledged that the country’s development is incomplete without its Diaspora.
“For decades, the Diaspora has been a pillar of strength for our nation. Through remittances, professional expertise, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, advocacy, and cultural presentation, you have sustained families, strengthened communities, and kept the Guyanese spirit alive across generations,” he told expatriates, adding.
“Your impact extends far beyond our borders. In film, academia, athletics, politics, medicine, culinary arts, and countless other fields. Guyanese across the globe have earned recognition and distinction, elevating our country’s name on the world stage.”
He said the relationship with the Diaspora is now rooted in partnership. The 2026 National Budget, totaling $1.558 trillion, reflects a strategic push to translate economic expansion into opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities.
He spoke about significant investments in education with new schools, expanded technical and vocational training, scholarships, and strengthened support for university and professional development.
“The goal is to equip our young people with skills they need to compete globally while contributing meaningfully at home.”
The diplomat praised improvements in healthcare, new regional hospitals, upgrades to existing facilities, and the emphasis on specialized and diagnostic care.
Other areas of development include housing initiatives, improved water access, and targeted support for vulnerable groups to ensure that progress is inclusive and people-friendly, said the diplomat, who noted the Gas-to-Energy Project expanded road networks and continued upgrades, among many other investments.
“As His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has emphasized, the Government of Guyana stands ready to co-invest with members of the Diaspora who are prepared to return home, to build, to innovate, and to contribute their skills and capital to national development. We are inviting you to help shape it,” he said.
“As we commemorate 56 years as a Republic, let us recommit ourselves to unity for purpose. Let us strengthen the bridge between homeland and Diaspora. Let us invest not only in projects but in people. And let us ensure that the next chapter of Guyana’s story is written cooperatively, boldly, and sustainably.
CG Brotherson also thanked the Consulate staff for their steadfast commitment to ensuring the diplomatic office runs efficiently.
Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN, Marissa Edwards, on behalf of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett, spoke of the sovereignty and self-determination, two of the most sacred rights that nations exercise. “And then the decision in 1970 to fully exercise these rights, free from all colonial vestiges, cleared the way for continued growth. And developments of our newly independent country.”
“As we reflect on and celebrate our journey, the task of nation-building never ends, and we all must contribute to the growth of our nation. We can do this by being involved citizens. Our involvement should always be positive to strengthen our institutions, serve our communities, and promote unity among the citizenry.”
This is critical in ensuring that our country remains stable and that our people are united around common goals. Guyana’s doors are open to our citizens everywhere who wish to contribute to this transformation, said Edwards.
Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, AD 58, honored Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary with a citation, handed over by staffer Jennifer Richardson-Herbert, during a Brunch reception in the Golden Hall of St. Gabriel’s, where celebrants enjoyed delicious Guyanese cuisine.
The singing of folk songs by Rick Dalgetty’s musical ensemble capped off a memorable celebration that began with a commemorative display in Times Square, until Feb. 28. A Mid-Hudson Bridge illumination also honored the Republic.
Others in attendance were Pastor James Richmond, Dominica Consulate, representative Sheldon Peter Anthony, Consul General of Grenada Raphael M. Brizan, Deputy Consul General of St. Kitts & Nevis, Kressell Daniel, Acting Consul General of Trinidad & Tobago, and Mary A. Tang Yew, Pastor Louis Straker Jr., St. Vincent, St. Andrews Episcopal Church representative Paulette Mills-Smith, among others.
