I write to applaud Guyanese and others involved in the planning and organising of the celebrations to commemorate the 20th anniversary since the founding of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).  The late Dr. Jagan was at the convention where the organisation was founded. Several Guyanese were involved in the day to day activities in the founding of GOPIO including Ravi Dev, Vishnu Bisram, Ramesh Kalicharran, Baytoram Ramharack, Yesu Persaud, and Pandit Ramlall.

This year’s convention was themed “Strengthening Global Connections”, drawing wide participation by 200 delegates from over 20 countries and hundreds of attendees from the NY area including a large number of Guyanese. Dr. Prem Misir presented a paper at the convention.  Dr. Yesu Persaud and several other Guyanese also attended from Guyana.  There were participants from neighboring Surinam, Trinidad, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Jamaica from the Caribbean region.

The convener of the celebrations was Ashok Ramsaran, formerly of Letter Kenny, Corentyne who was Secretary General of GOPIO and has now been elected as Executive Vice President with Lord Rana of the UK being the President.

Speakers lauded Ramsaran and his team for their hard work in putting together the celebrations which lasted four days. Ramsaran, who joined GOPIO about 10 years ago, is one of the most dedicated and committed people I have met on community work. He donates large amounts of money to Guyanese and other charities in America and support causes to help children in India. Congrats are in order for Ramsaran’s steady rise in GOPIO.

One of the objectives of GOPIO is to assist Indians to play a vital role in the socio-politico, economic and cultural development of their home countries.  The organization has been applauded for its work which is considered a success in many countries.

India’s Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh felicitated GOPIO for its contribution to the Indian Diaspora saying “GOPIO has provided a unique platform to the vast Indian Overseas community for promoting their interests and realizing their aspirations”.

An array of dignitaries graced the four day event in Queens including India’s Consul General Prabhu Dayal; former T&T Prime Minister Basdeo Panday; Jagdish Shetter, Speaker of Karnataka State Assembly; Bayney Karran, Guyana’s Ambassador to USA, Professor Prem Misir, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Ambassador Manjeev Puri, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, D.N. Srivastava, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs; Lord Diljit Rana. Member of the House of Lords, Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly, and former US Ambassador to India, Frank Wisner.

The conference focused on PIO/NRI Business, Economic and Development issues as well as provided a global perspective on the socio-cultural, civic and political issues being addressed by the worldwide PIO community. It discussed challenges encountered by the PIO seniors, and also solicited input of the PIO youth and young professionals to develop GOPIO’s future agenda. Speakers highlighted the numerous achievements of GOPIO in the last 20 years.

It should be noted that the First Global Indian Convention in 1989 and subsequent GOPIO conventions (Delhi 1994 addressed by Dr. Jagan, and NY 2000 addressed by President Jagdeo) motivated the Government of India to organize the annual “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” (PBD) event in India since 2003.  A Mini PBD overseas is now added as a regular feature. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has been created in addition to the PIO University the Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) in India with branches at certain major embassies of India to facilitate exchange and transfer of financial, human and intellectual capital between India and the adopted land of the PIOs.  GOPIO has now started a scholarship fund for PIOs. Guyanese can access many resources and facilities (including tracing their roots) being provided by GOPIO and the Indian government.

Ambassador Karran aptly commended GOPIO for its work. At a minimum, the Guyanese diaspora is benefiting from its activities.  Thanks Ashok and others who are promoting Guyanese causes.
VISHNU BISRAM