By Joe Chapman in New York

On the auspicious occasion when the Linden Fund USA celebrated its 20th anniversary in New York, the non-profit organisation received two notable awards, one was a Congressional Proclamation from U.S. Member of Congress Mr. Hakeem Jeffries and the other a Citation by a duly elected member of the Senate of New York Ms. Roxanne J Persaud, both which recognised and congratulated the Linden Fund USA on this achievement.

The Proclamation was signed by Hakeem Jeffries, duly elected member of the United States House of Representatives on August 10, 2019, joined in honouring a truly outstanding community organization.

It referenced in part that: “Whereas, launched in September 1999, the Linden Fund USA started as a charitable organisation in New York led by members across the Diaspora in the U.S. to support their beloved hometown of Linden, Guyana. Since its founding, LFU has expanded into a multifaceted organization, managed by volunteer members in various state chapters, where significant numbers of Lindeners reside- including New York, New Jersey, the DC -Metro area, and Georgia.”

It concluded that “Be it known, in view of their selfless dedication and immense impact to Guyana and the world community at large, we honour the Linden Fund USA upon their 20th anniversary.”

On the other hand, the Citation in part said “Whereas, a Great State is only as great as those who give exemplary service to their community, the quality of service rendered by the Linden Fund USA is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, embodiment of strength and courage-doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
Ms. Persaud continued: “As a Member of the State Senate of New York congratulated Linden Fund USA of their 20th anniversary and recognize that in them we have an outstanding association that is worthy of the esteem of both Community and the great State of New York.”

Further, the Citation read “It is imperative that we respect and applaud Linden Fund USA’s exceptional contributions to the advancement and development of the community of Linden, Guyana, whereas the Linden Fund USA has diligently and passionately helped students, teachers, youth and residents of the community through promoting and advancing their academic, social, medical and economic standings and welfare for over two decades, now, therefore, be it resolved, we salute Linden Fund USA on their 20th anniversary and commend them for their history and continuation of assisting and transforming the community of Linden, Guyana.”

Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine, a beaming newly re-elected Chairperson of the LFU USA Ms. Paula Walcott-Quintin noted: “The 20th anniversary was a major opportunity for us to celebrate 20 years of existence where for the entire year, not just the dinner dance that concluded September 10 we set ourselves the goal of getting our membership to a certain level.”

In retrospect, Walcott Quintin said “Well for one there were already a number of new initiatives before the administration of 2017-2019. So, there were a lot of new things that were already in the pipeline and now that we would have had elections and we are going forward with only two changes on the board, those new initiatives will start coming to light. And, in fact, we are pleased with those two new additions to the board because they are bringing new energy and strategic directions to the organisations.”