Guyanese Independence Day Proclaimed In New York City
CARIBPR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 23, 2007: New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has proclaimed Saturday May 26th, 2007, ˜Guyanese Independence Day' In New York City.
The declaration comes as the Committee to Celebrate Guyana gets ready to raise the country's flag for the first time over Manhattan, New York, in the financial district at Bowling Green. In making the declaration, Bloomberg proclaimed: "The Guyanese community is an asset to our metropolis, whose greatness is predicated on an unparalleled diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and perspectives. New York City is proud to be a part of this celebration, as it is a fitting tribute to a Guyanese community that has stayed true to its roots while blossoming in a new environment."
Hollywood actor, Sean Patrick Thomas, who many will remember from ˜Save The Last Dance,' ˜The Fountain' and ˜Barbershop' is among the honorees and VIP's who will join committee members in marking this inaugural occasion.
The event an initiative of Hard Beat Communications' CEO, Felicia Persaud, is being presented along with the Bowling Green Association of New York and the Committee for Guyana's Independence under the patronage of the Guyana Ambassador to Washington, Bayney Karran.
The free, public from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday May 26th will include many performances from veteran performer, John ˜Slingshot' Drepaul, who is recovering from an accident and will make his first return to the stage at this event along with The Dheeraj Cultural Foundation's Ghungroos Dance School; poetry readings by James Richmond and Francis Quamina Farrier; patriotic songs by Courtney Noel, Almira Brasse and Clifford John along with rising young deejays, DJ Praksh and Mr. H2o WataFlow as well as the emerging Triad group; Africa drumming by and a musical saw presentation by Moses Josiah.
The public event will be followed by private; invitation only awards ceremony in the historic grand rotunda at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House that will bring together an extraordinary line up of both honorees and entertainers.
Being presented with the First Annual Independence Day Leadership Award are actor Thomas as well as movie producer Rohit Jagessar of ˜Guiana 1838,' movie director, Mikey Nivelli of ˜Rainbow Raani,' actress CCH Pounder and boxer Vivian Harris.
A special tribute presentation will be made to former Guyanese cricketers Sewdatt Shivnarine, Vishal Nagamootoo and Sudesh Dhaniram. Among special guests will be several consul generals of the Caribbean and elected city, state and federal officials as well as the special advisor to US General Services Administrator, Laurita Doan. Thomas' wife, actress, Aonika Laurent Thomas, a native of New Orleans, is also set to attend.
Guyanese comprise the fourth largest foreign-born group in New York City foreign and continue to make great strides as entrepreneurs and homeowners. In one area of Queens, NY alone, their annual earnings are more than both native born black and white Americans according to the US Census' recent American Community Survey report.
Bowling Green Park is easily reachable by most subway lines most of which serve the Wall Street area and the Lexington Ave. 4 & 5 as well as the R stops right at Bowling Green.
Sponsors and supporters include Western Union, AmeriGroup Funding, North American Airlines, Deluxe Delivery and Ariana Development Group Of Companies along with donors – JR. Giddings, Edgar Henry, Albert Baldeo, Unique Professional Creation, Golden Krust Bakery, Tota's Bakery, Sybil's Restaurant and Hollis West Indian Restaurant. – CaribPR.com
