–Minister Cummings given surprise award

THE East Coast chapter of the National Congress of Women (NCW) on Sunday awarded several women for their significant contributions to their district and the country by extension.

The ceremony, which was held at Beterverwagting-Quamina Primary School, was coordinated by the executives of the NCW committee, of which, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings serves as the chairperson.

After a series of rich cultural presentations, the ceremony took a turn as the women collaborated with Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams to surprise Minister Cummings with an award for her yeoman service to the organisation, and a congratulatory toast on her new ministerial posting.

Minister Cummings, while expressing gratitude for the award, said that the event was organised to honour the noble and phenomenal women of the district that continue to labour for the development of the country. She also noted that she is now settling into her new post, and is being briefed on what her tasks will entail.

“I would have talked to the Director- General, who would have given me an overview on what to expect, especially some of the immediate tasks, such as the Venezuelan borders, and to be careful of our frontiers. I’ve been familiarising myself with the various departments of the ministry, and the bilateral arrangements with many countries.

“I just want to continue the mantra of protecting our patrimony, looking for the interests bilaterally and internationally, so that our government can be proud, and Guyanese can be proud. I will do my best and work with distinction,” Minister Cummings said.

The Attorney-General said he is proud of Minister Cummings’ achievements, and is pleased with her new post. “This new job has a lot of challenges, but I have no doubt that Karen will be able to navigate and continue to ensure that Guyana is well represented internationally,” Minister Williams said.

Regional Chairman of Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four), Genevieve Allen highlighted Minister Cummings’ many contributions to the district through the National Congress of Women.

“When we were given the mandate to form the East Coast District of the National Congress of Women, Minister Cummings took on the mandate, with the objective that we are going to work with our women so that they can become empowered. I must say, there have been significant strides in our women in the East Coast District,” Allen said.

Several other persons took the opportunity to congratulate Minister Cummings, and express gratitude for the contributions made to their lives.

Genevieve Whitenedd, Barbara Andrews, Beryl Assanah, Beatrice Edwards, Reverend Murtlene Dennis, Yvette Herod, Fayeann Boyce, Nella Wills, Myrna Collins, Grace Daniels, and Nicole Nurse were the other women who were given awards in appreciation of their contributions.