From left, First Deputy Commissioner NYPD, Tonia Kinsella of Guyanese lineage, Chief Expertise Officer for New York Matthew C. Fraser, of Guyanese lineage, Mayor Eric L. Adams, Consul Normal to New York, Michael E. Brotherson, honorees Claire Patterson-Monah, Sherif Fraser, Isiah Chappelle, and Elton Dharry, holding Quotation, throughout a dynamic heritage reception on July 22, at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan.
Photograph by Tangerine Clarke
Mayor of the Metropolis of New York, Eric L. Adams, on July 22, honored 5 nationals for his or her distinctive contributions, noting that Guyanese consider in household, religion, enterprise, and public security, throughout a dynamic reception on the garden of Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, that celebrated the multi-cultural heritage of the compatriots.
The honorees are Group Chief Board 17, Brooklyn, Sherif Barker, Boxing Champion Elton Dharry, Group Advocate Claire Patterson-Monah, Chutney artist Terry Gajarj of the hit tune ‘Guyana Baboo,’ and radio host Isiah Chappelle.
Adams, New York Metropolis’s a hundred and tenth mayor, is searching for re-election on Nov. 4 as an Impartial candidate. He spoke of the wealthy spirit of the Guyanese neighborhood represented underneath the large tent, adorned with the colours of Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead flag.
“As you look all through my whole administration, you see the wealthy spirit of the Guyanese neighborhood, that’s right here. Being mayor is each substantive and symbolic. They go collectively, he mentioned, noting that simply as many individuals have adored Gracie Mansion, “however nobody has introduced such lovely colours and tradition right here as this Guyanese neighborhood has performed in the present day,” mentioned the politician.
“What I realized concerning the Guyanese neighborhood is that they love telling you they’re from Guyana. That entire power, and satisfaction, and now that you’ve got found oil, good Lord, he quipped. “You imply quite a bit to our neighborhood. And generally once we see illustration in metropolis authorities, you don’t notice the impression.”
“It’s the variety that permits us to deliver all our cultural understanding to make certain that we deliver that spirit. “Take into consideration what Matt Fraser has performed because the chief expertise officer, free, high-speed broadband for NYCHA residents, permitting us to make use of expertise to empower and encourage our younger individuals.”
“He has modified the panorama of the town together with his capacity to look and see how expertise can enhance our lives. He’s Guyanese. That’s how he introduced that power and spirit there,“ mentioned Adams.
Applauding Tania Kinsella, who spoke of being proud to be of Guyanese lineage, Adams mentioned, “Take a look at Tania, the first Guyanese to be the primary deputy commissioner of the New York Metropolis Police Division, the biggest police division in all the nation. She’s the second answerable for that operation; that claims quite a bit. She brings the power, the spirit, empowering not solely Guyanese girls, however girls throughout this whole metropolis.“ “Look by the administration, and you will notice it repeatedly.”
“It took 110 mayors earlier than the 140,000 robust Guyanese have been capable of elevate their flag at Bowling Inexperienced. Your flag is now raised at Bowling Inexperienced, the place we rejoice the independence of what your nation stands for. The symbolism is simply as essential because the substantive belongings you do since you should inform the variety of the town that everybody is invited, everyone seems to be united, everyone seems to be a part of what makes this metropolis nice.”
“We’ve the most effective product going, and that is the nation the place you’ll be able to love your motherland and embrace your adopted land. That’s why that sprint is between the names of being Guyanese American, since you nonetheless love the attractive nation of Guyana, however you embrace your adopted land that we name America. That’s who makes us [who] we’re and what we’re,“ mentioned Mayor Adams.
“I thanks for popping out tonight. Let’s proceed celebrating the wealthy Guyanese tradition, meals, clothes, dance, and music. You consider in household, you consider in religion, you consider in enterprise, and also you consider in public security. And our legislation enforcement officers right here, representing you, are the ambassadors of what’s nice about this metropolis. We need to rejoice our 5 honorees,” mentioned Mayor Adams, who launched Guyanese Sookranie Dhanpat, who served as emcee.
In short remarks, Consul Normal to New York, Michael E. Brotherson expressed due to Mayor Adams and his crew for organizing, “this wonderful occasion. I’m pleased that so many people have turned out as a result of the celebration in the present day is about Guyana. I need to thanks for displaying what Guyana is about,“ he mentioned to Mayor Adams.
“We’re right here in numbers as a result of we acknowledge and perceive the essential position Guyanese play within the New York diaspora. Many amongst us have excelled in quite a few fields and endeavors and have helped to make New York a greater place,“ mentioned CG Brotherson.
Meeting member David I. Weprin of District 24 applauded Mayor Adams for all the time being in Queens. He has a favourite restaurant. Mayor Adams is in every single place; he’s in each neighborhood, and he participates in many alternative occasions for the Guyanese neighborhood and tradition. He’s somebody who must be appreciated.”
“He has been doing an awesome job reaching out to all communities. It’s nice to see so lots of my constituents. I’m very happy with our Guyanese American neighborhood,“ mentioned Meeting Member Weprin.
New York Metropolis Chief Expertise Officer Matthew C. Fraser mentioned, “I’m proud to say that I’m of Guyanese lineage. My mother and pop are each from Guyana. ” He added that he’s the primary African American to carry the place and the youngest ever, due to Mayor Adams, with whom he labored to offer public housing with free entry to broadband web service.
“It’s an honor to be the one that sits within the seat. Being on this place requires somebody who has robust household bonds, and due to what I grew up with in my home, my Guyanese ancestors, and the love that my mother and father confirmed me, I used to be capable of be right here in the present day. What an awesome day to rejoice Guyanese. Thanks all for popping out,“ mentioned Fraser.
The honorees expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams for the distinguished honor and for internet hosting the reception that showcased the extraordinary abilities of their compatriots.
President of the Guyana American Heritage New Jersey, Girl Ira Lewis, congratulated Mayor Adams on behalf of all Guyanese and prolonged a heartfelt thanks for the distinctive program he hosted at Gracie Mansion.
James Richmond’s rousing poem, The Drums of Guyana, accompanied by African drummer Akoyaw Rudder, kicked off an exuberant cultural presentation showcasing Indian, African, Kumfa, and Masquerade dance expressions in opposition to a backdrop of the colours of Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead flag.
Along with tasty Guyanese delicacies, celebrants danced the night away to Caribbean music, spun by DJ Fess, for a memorable heritage reception at Gracie Mansion.
Different company included Senator Kevin Parker, who represents the twenty first Senatorial District in Brooklyn, and Fazil Joe Yusuff, head of the Diaspora Unit within the Guyana Consulate.
