– to countrymen lost to COVID-19, with help of Guyana-NY Consulate 

AT A time when strict social distancing guidelines are in place worldwide, the Guyana Consulate-General in New York has created a means for Guyanese to publicly pay tribute to loved ones lost to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

The tributes are being shared on a Facebook page named ‘Honoring Guyanese Lost to Coronavirus’, and has already received an outpouring of tributes, support and condolences to the family and friends of those highlighted.

“The Consulate-General of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in New York joins in expressing sincere condolences to Guyanese in the diaspora who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow,” Consul-General Barbara Atherly said in a message.

“This page has been created for families, if you so desire, to add the name of your dearly departed, in order for us to pay tribute,” she added.

Businessman, Jim Bacchus of Jim Bacchus Travel Service, which operated in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, received tributes from his family and veteran journalist and playwright, Francis Quamina Farrier.

“I have known Jim for about 60 years. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” Farrier said as he shared a photograph from the last time he visited Bacchus.

Meanwhile, his family stated: “My grandfather was a great man; loved and respected by all who knew him. And we know that this heavy loss brings a great sorrow, shared by us all. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there are circumstantial considerations we must evaluate, and we ask that you bear with us, and grant us privacy as we navigate these terrible times. We will share information regarding services in his remembrance as soon as we can. Until then, stay safe, and remember him fondly.”

Tributes were also paid to Vishnu Baichu, called Paramdeo Baichu, and his eldest son, Vijay Baichu, who died one day apart from COVID-19 in New York.

Recognised, too, was 61-year-old Guyana-born Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus operator, Oliver Cyrus, who lived in Brooklyn, New York.

Known as “Brother Cyrus”, he worked out of the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority, a subsidiary of the MTA.

WELL LIKED

“Cyrus was well liked by all his co-workers, and there is a somber mood at the depot. MTA head of buses, Craig Cipiano said Cyrus was loved by his friends and colleagues,” the post stated.

Also losing her life to the virus was Earline Austin, a medical doctor who was in her 60s. She formerly resided at Republic Avenue in Linden.

“Gone but not forgotten. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers!” the message read.

Tributes went out to first captain of the Pele FC, Wendell “Gentle Giant” Manifold, who passed away due to cardiac arrest caused by the coronavirus at the Brooklyn Downstate Hospital on March 25.

The 65-year-old was remembered as a former student of Charlestown Secondary School and a six-footer who left Guyana in 1974 on a football scholarship to Clemson University, in South Carolina. He was also hailed as the best defender to have ever worn the national colours.

The family of now deceased Brooklyn Academy of Music employee Ronald Hunter fondly referred to him as “Brother” and “Friend”, saying in the tribute that his death has brought them much sadness.

For Charles Greeman, losing his beloved daughter was a terrible blow.

“It’s the saddest day of my life, losing my first-born to this terrible virus,” he said.  “Nicola, you will always be missed, and you will be in a safe place for eternity.”

GOODBYE ‘SOAP’!

In tribute to her grandfather’s brother, the late Brijmohan Ramdayal, popularly known as “Soap”, Romanee Kalicharran said the 90-year-old was a well-respected elder of the family.

“He was extremely knowledgeable, and loved his ancient Indian traditions, Hindi language and Hindu scriptures/song (Ramayana, Chowtaal etc.),” Romanee said, adding: “His contribution to society, strength through life’s challenges, and jovial and witty nature will be forever etched in our hearts and memories.”

The Guyana Cultural Association of New York parted ways with William “Billy” Braithwaite, who they fondly recalled as being a friend and an ardent supporter.

Other tributes went out to Abdul Razack; Kempton Christopher called “Burnham”; Mr. Bramo, former owner of Liberty Express Restaurant; Mrs. Fogerty; Saraswati Niranjan, called “Mona”, who was in her 50s; Georgeanna Greaves-Gentle; and 57-year-old Frankie Nathaniel Armstrong, called “Powers”, who was hailed as a humanitarian and dear friend.

The state of New York has had over 80,000 coronavirus cases and 4,260 deaths since the pandemic descended on its shores.