USHERING in the holiday season in a spirit of goodwill, US-based Guyanese in Queens and the Bronx, New York, on December 21, held a free luncheon where elderly Guyanese were feted. 

The event which marked the commencement of the Christmas Season was held at the Villa Russo in the heart of Richmond Hill, New York. The event which was also attended by several Italians, Irish, African-Americans and Hispanics saw Councilman David Weprin and a few other local politicians gracing the event.
The opportunity was also taken by Weprin to present Certificates of Citation to several individuals for their volunteer work in helping to uplift lives in their communities.
Several community leaders were also recognised by legislators from the State and City with certificates for their volunteerism and charitable activities and for spreading joy to the poorer sections of the society.
Considered as one of the largest luncheons hosted in the community, the event was fun-filled with an entertainment package of singing, dancing and speeches from the community organisers. The environment also paved a way for the elderly to socialize and reflect during this time of celebration.
The luncheon was organised by several volunteers, including real estate developer Frank Singh, Ralph Tamesh, Dr Vijay Lilliah, George Russo, Taj Rajkumar, Stanley Raj, Rita Persaud, Vidya Singh, Ena Persaud, Ajay Singh, Rohan Seavcharran, Kay Ramdath,Mala Dasrat, Lisa Edoo, Stanley Raj, Sherry Williams, Randy Harris and Son Son; the Indo-Caribbean Federation; District Leader Dr Taj Rajkumar, Richmond Hill Development Organization led by Vishnu Mahadeo, Tulsi Mandir, Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Balram Rambrich, Arya Samaj USA, among others.
Giving the opening remarks was Frank Singh who expressed appreciation to the community organisations for their contributions to make the event a success and show appreciation for the seniors who helped to make the community what it is. Singh also thanked those who gave donations as well as the host of volunteers who worked very hard to put together the programme and organise presents for the invitees.
The event was much appreciated by the seniors who evidently enjoyed the excellent music of the yuletide season as well as old time songs of chutney, Bollywood, carols, and local artistes. There was a unique blend and medley of listening and dance music which the seniors could not have resisted.
Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed in recognition of the work of community activist Jagdesh Mohunlall who passed away last March. He was one of the founders of the annual luncheon.
The event, which is an annual one, has been held for the last decade through the support and cooperative efforts of the groups. Many chipped in through donations and personal contributions in an attempt to acquire food and gifts for the beneficiaries of the luncheon.
Local artistes from the community provided entertainment free of cost while Villa Russo provided the space and staff for the catering while some businesses donated a medley of American and traditional Guyanese dishes which included fried rice, chicken, dhal puri, curried lamb, salad, chowmein, kheer, lasagna, and a variety of other dishes.