Articles

Guyanese celebrate in grand style!!!

   The Guyana – St. Lucia Association marked the 38th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence with a very elaborate programme on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 in the South of the island. The function was held at Baron Foods Ltd. Club House in Vieux Fort. It began at around 8.00pm and ended after midnight. It was truly a night of celebration. Guyanese and St. Lucians journeyed from around the island to celebrate the occasion. 

   The Master of Ceremonies was Edward Harris who kept the audience on their toes. The programme commenced with the singing of the National Anthems of Guyana and St. Lucia. Pastor Sherwin Griffith offered prayer.

   President Gene Neptune gave the Welcome Address which was followed by a Message from the President of Guyana  - His Excellency Bharat Jagdeo. It was read by the Immediate Past President, Mr. Bishnu Tulsie. The Honorary Consul – Mr. Lokesh Singh was unavoidably absent as he was overseas.

   It was time for Cultural Presentations and the MC took the opportunity to reflect upon the contributions of Mr. & Mrs. Jones who were depended upon to lead in the singing of Guyanese Folk Songs whenever there were functions of the Association. However, over the past year, Mr. & Mrs. Chester have taken over this task and are doing a great job. They were well supported by an appreciative audience.

   The highlight of the evening was an address by Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of St. Lucia. The Prime Minister spoke about his tour of duty in Guyana and his fascination with the country and its people.  He alluded to the work done by Presidents Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham in the decolonisation era. He noted that he was always concerned about the sadness in the faces of Guyanese due to the problems of their homeland in which he intervened on occasions. In spite of the situation he commended Guyanese for their scholastic brilliance and for sharing their talents with their neighbours.

He also praised the entrepreneurship of Guyanese who are contributing substantially to the manufacturing sector.

   The Prime Minister had good news for Guyanese when he indicated that the Government was giving consideration to introducing measures for Guyanese who have settled in the country for many years, to regularize their status in St. Lucia. The applause was deafening.

    Joy emanated throughout the audience when the MC invited the audience to participate in the singing of “Song of Guyana’s Children” The words of the chorus are:-

“Onward, upward, may we ever go
Day by day in strength and beauty grow
Till at length we each of us may show
What Guyana’s sons and daughters can be”

   Dr. Mervin Devonish, Coordinator of the Southern Chapter, moved the Vote of Thanks. In his opening statement he sought to advise the Prime Minister that the reason for the sadness on the faces of Guyanese in St. Lucia is because they are constantly reminded – “Guyanese Go Home” Laughter broke out throughout the audience.

  Mr. Ronald Ramjattan, Managing Director of Baron Foods Ltd. remarked that he was pleased to assist the Association in hosting the function and pledged his commitment to assisting the Association in the future.

   President Gene Neptune took the opportunity to notify members and visitors that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held on Saturday the 19th of June, 2004 at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, Vide Boutielle, Castries, commencing at 6.00pm sharp.

   The adjournment was taken and the party began in earnest. There was feasting on Roti and Currie, Cook Up Rice, and other Guyanese delicacies. Eldorado Rum as always flowed. It was yet another occasion to be remembered.

Keep the Faith, God is in Charge!