Dear Editor,

The 50th Independence in New York last year made all Guyanese proud. Such unity was never experienced before. Afro and Indo-Guyanese from Queens and Brooklyn celebrated together in unity.

It was a proud moment for Guyanese. Although the government changed, Indians were surprised to be included. The 50th committee in NY is a model for national unity. All major black and Indian leaders were part of it. Mr. Rickford Burke, the chairman, who was perceived by Indians as hardcore PNC, earned our respect. The vice-chairman, Attorney Rhonda Binda, is a darling of the Queens Guyanese Community. I attended the launch in Queens. The chemistry seemed genuine.

Indian cultural icon, TV personality and organiser of the Diwali Parade, Ms. Lakshmee Singh, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, organiser of the Phagwah Parade, Dr. Taj Rajkumar, a politician, TV personality Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, singer and cultural icon Terry Gajraj, Promoter Vinoid Bisram, Attorney Cheddi Jagan, III, Pandits sisters Nanda and Sandra Sahadeo, Indian cultural promoter Kishore Suenarine and scores of other Indian leaders joined Burke and other black leaders to make the New York 50th Committee successful. Together, these Indian leaders turnout over 75,000 people combined each year. I was inspired to join a sub-committee. The website shows all political parties and major organisations are represented. The chairman reported that “160 people,” from nine States and 25 organisations, make up the committee. Breathtaking!

The committee performed exemplary. It hosted events in all communities. I attended the launch, symposium, cricket and parade in Brooklyn. There was an Indian float in the parade and it was wonderful to see Indians and blacks playing cricket together to celebrate our Independence.

This year something very bad has happened. Unity vanished. A little group of about 10 Guyanese from Brooklyn, has decided to put on separate Independence anniversary events, although the diverse Committee has a diverse, multicultural celebration planned. The private, group is mimicking the Committee’s 2017 celebration. They’re using the Committee’s strategy to promote their events for the same dates like the committee. Someone forwarded me a letter from the group. They claimed they organised the APNU victory march in Brooklyn in 2015. Their email also announced that President Granger will attend their celebration this year. Their Facebook also claims that Guyana New York Consul General told them that they have official permission to hold their events. Queens Guyanese are waiting to see if President Granger, will abandon the diverse committee to support their private money-making venture.

A group name NAR, which we believe is the New York PNC group, sent out an email attacking the Committee’s 2017 independence celebration. The PNC apparently supports this private group in Brooklyn because they can’t control the committee headed by Burke and Binda.

Regards
D Singh
Richmond Hill. Queens