“I care about Guyana…I have often spoken about the critical contributions that Guyanese in the Diaspora can make back home here.”
These were the words of outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, D. Brent Hardt, who was yesterday honoured by the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness organization (CADVA), at a simple ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel.
Hardt, who was sworn into office on August 18, 2011, will see his tenure as Ambassador come to an end sometime in July of this year. In addition to kind verbal tributes, the envoy was also provided with tokens of appreciation.
Following a few cultural performances, Hardt gave a brief address to the gathering which comprised representatives of various Non-Governmental Organizations and human rights groups.
U.S. Ambassador Brent Hardt poses with Secretary of the Board of Trustees of SASOD Zenita Nicholson (left) and CADVA official, Diane Madray
He expressed sincere gratitude to CADVA for hosting a ceremony in his honour. He said that while he humbly accepted the tokens and tributes, he was doing so not on his own account, but on behalf of his “extraordinarily dedicated, hardworking and passionate” team at the US Embassy.
Hardt said that the members of his team have been working assiduously to tackle the scourge of domestic violence with the same determination with which it has helped to combat human trafficking, created new opportunities for young people, and raised environmental awareness among other programmes and initiatives.
Hardt said that throughout his tenure as Ambassador to Guyana, he and his team fought passionately to tackle the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence. He noted that given the United States’ focus on the issue of violence, globally, he is especially pleased that the US-based Diaspora organizations such as CADVA, are so committed to promoting change and making a difference.
The diplomat also highlighted the efforts of his wife, Saskia, who has been reaching out to particularly young people.
He also congratulated the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) for its efforts in combating domestic violence, promoting human rights and attempting to rid society of homophobia.
In closing, Hardt expressed best wishes to CADVA as it continues to fight for human rights and violence against women.
CADVA Incorporated was founded by Sukree Boodram, who was a victim of domestic violence.
Boodram, the author of ‘Break Out,’ is among some of the fortunate ones who managed to escape from their struggles. She is determined to help others.
The body focuses on bettering the US and Caribbean countries, where large pockets of cultural demographics exist, and where domestic violence is not openly discussed.
With help from donations, funding, charitable contributions, fundraising events and partners, CADVA is looking to make a difference in its efforts to free the
world of domestic violence.
GOOD RIDDANCE BRENT.....