The Guyana Relief Council of Florida recently held its annual fund-raiser and awards ceremony at the Double Tree Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The event, which attracted a wide cross-section of Guyanese and other nationals also gave the executives the opportunity to highlight their work in Guyana, as well as listen to a selected guest speaker. This year’s speaker was Canadian-Guyanese and long-time Canadian Supreme Court Judge – Vibert Lampkin. Justice Lampkin hailed the work of the organisation and promised to help in Canada, as part of his presentation.
The organisation’s Executive Director – Ms Joan Sears took the opportunity to bring those in attendance and supporters up to date on the amount of work and assistance the group has been providing from its inception. She also applauded those companies and individuals who continue to provide monitory and other assistance to bring relief to those in Guyana who become destitute due to unexpected disasters. A video presentation highlighting footage from a recent visit to Guyana by members of the group was also shown. Patron of the organisation – Mrs. Yvonne Hinds (wife of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds) was not present as is customary. She however sent a message which was read to the audience.
Among the number of prizes won by attendees, were trips for two to Kaieteur Falls which was complemented by a return ticket for two persons, complements of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL).
The Kaieteur tickets were donated by the Ministry of Tourism which was also a major sponsor of the event. Guyanese broadcaster Bobby Vieira, who has been hosting the event from its inception, was among those honoured for their continued support and contribution. Vieira, who is also a consultant to the Ministry of Tourism, took time to update patrons of the efforts to boost Guyana’s Tourism potential. A display consisting of flyers, and other tourism related information formed part of an exhibit at the event.
Lucky winners also received copies of videos highlighting Guyana’s tourism prospects and holiday resorts.

History
The Guyana Relief Council of Florida, Inc. (GRCFL) was founded in 2006. This non-profit organisation supports the efforts of the home-based Guyana Relief Council (GRC) which aims to provide temporary relief, and where appropriate, rehabilitation to persons affected by disasters of any kind, and to those who are otherwise in need or urgent assistance in any part of the country.
For over five years, the Guyana Relief Council of Florida, Inc. has supported the efforts of the Guyana Relief Council which has been in existence for over 15 years. The organisations have demonstrated their commitment to helping persons throughout the 10 regions of Guyana who suffer as a result of disaster. The assistance offered is unconditional.
The assistance provided is tailored to the specific circumstances of each family i.e. their needs and number in the family etc; and includes food, clothing, mattresses, bedding, kitchen utensils and footwear. In addition, the Guyana Relief Council offers temporary housing to those whose homes are lost or have been compromised by fire or other disasters. The board of the organisation consists of the following officers:- Joan Sears, Executive Director ;Joan Jonas, Secretary;Narina Ramcharitar, Director Larry London, Director;Oscar Ramjeet, Director;Matthew Crawford, Director;Yvonne Hinds-Patron