“Rosaura you are a light that shines for others in the darkness and we will miss you so much.”
These were words at the farewell for Mrs Rosaura Holoway from Ms Jackie who runs the home for women who are abused at Help and Shelter.

It was an honour to accompany Mrs Holloway, wife of outgoing American Ambassador His Excellency Perry Holloway for her last visit. Denise Diaz who was the co-founder for the Women’s Shelter, embassy staff and spouses were also present as Mrs Holloway bid farewell to a place that was a significant part of her journey in Guyana. It was very emotional when Mrs Diaz presented her with a collage of pics from various engagements.

We sang carols and presented gifts to all. I remembered meeting the Ambassador shortly after he arrived in Guyana and he insisted I meet his wife when she arrived in Guyana. “I heard you do charity work. My beautiful wife is coming to Guyana soon and I need you to meet her because she enjoys helping people. I believe you ladies can do something together,” he told me. He placed emphasis on the word ‘beautiful’ and indeed, she is INSIDE OUT.

We did collaborate for a splendid dinner and fashion show at the residence and the funds were used to improve the living conditions at the home for abused women and children. Domestic Violence is close to my heart because in my younger days I grew up in a very abusive home. It was great to see the Holloways so passionate about this fundraiser which provided a magical ambience. I mentioned when I gave my farewell greeting at the embassy that one of the things I admired about the Ambassador is how well he integrated into the Guyanese society and always had his finger on the pulse.

We were chatting at the farewell AMCHAM hosted and I was telling him how impressed I am that he usually tells me about my travels or projects I am working on. He revealed that he is a regular reader of this column. Thank you, Ambassador, for supporting BEYOND THE RUNWAY, your contribution to our country and sharing your talent as a rapper.

These are the words expressed by Rosaura Holloways as she departs the place she called home for more than three years:
“When I arrived in Guyana almost three and a half years ago, I had already read about the country and some of its needs and challenges. As a result of my experience working with women in Afghanistan while I worked at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, I decided I wanted to work with women in need in Guyana. I met Denise Diaz who was the co-founder for the Women’s Shelter and we began to work with the women and children.

I organised a number of activities raising funds and receiving contributions. We started a group amongst the U.S. Embassy spouses as well as Guyanese local employees, and people from other companies too. My only regret is that we could not do more. The place still needs work.

This was the work of many wonderful people and I would like to thank those who contributed in one way or the other. Their help went towards making the lives of these women and children better, and in making the future of Guyana better.
I say goodbye to the beautiful country of Guyana and the fantastic people who live here, knowing that the Embassy Spouse and local Guyanese Group will continue in assisting the Shelter, and I hope others are motivated to do so as well.”

We appreciate your priceless contribution and wish you and your family well and safe travels home. I have a feeling they both will miss this dear land of ours and we welcome them back in another capacity soon.
Let’s continue to make our contributions to humanity as we continue to celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY