— Guyanese told at flag-raising ceremony in New York

By Tracey Khan
GUYANESE residing in Queens, New York, held the first ever flag-raising ceremony in Richmond Hill– which is referred to as little Guyana — to celebrate Guyana’s 53rd Independence anniversary.

The event saw Guyanese from all walks of life across New York gather in unity to celebrate the progress of their homeland.

Several officials from New York’s Senate, Congress and Council were also in attendance and acknowledged the contributions that Guyanese living in the United States are making.
“We are a proud people… oftentimes we are divided, but this is the first in Richmond Hill and demonstrates to the world that we can stand together as a people,” Guyanese-born, New York Senator Roxanne Persaud said.

She added that to be able to hoist Guyana’s flag on United States soil is a special moment for the people and commended the organisers, The Lions club of Richmond Hill – South Ozone Park.

American Congressman Gregory Meeks, whose father-in-law is Guyanese, said it is important that Guyanese living overseas continue to play their role to build their birthland.
He called on Guyanese to never take their independence for granted and do what is needed to preserve it for the future of their children.

“It is also significant to never forget who you are and where you came from and never lose your allegiance to your homeland, because that’s who you are and what makes you what you are and we know that what makes this borough and this district good is that people can look back and see the land from which they came and understanding the significance of being a strong citizen and making sure that democracy strives here in the United States, but also back in your homeland,” Congressman Meeks said.

Barbara Atherly, Consul-General in New York, said it is an emotional and proud moment to raise the Golden Arrowhead in Queens, adding that it is a time to reflect and work for the betterment of Guyana.

Romeo Hitlall, who is the President of the Richmond Hill – South Ozone Park Lions Club, said they will continue to build from this initiative to make it better and ensure all Guyanese are represented.

“Liberty Avenue is a striving commercial district and 90 per cent of the people here are Guyanese and after seeing that ceremonies are held in Brooklyn, New Jersey and other parts of the States, we decided to have it here in Queens,” he added.
The flag was hoisted in front of Sybil’s Restaurant, which is one of the most popular Guyanese eateries in the State.

A flag-raising ceremony was also held in Brooklyn on Friday and was well attended.