THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA) NexGen Golf Academy brought joy and delight to the orphans of the Enmore Orphanage following Sunday’s Curry-Q and fundraising golf event.
A large number of Guyana’s premier business persons, expats and members of the diplomatic corps teamed up to make the holiday season for the less fortunate kids, something to cherish during these tough pandemic-afflicted times. The Curry-Q was the brainchild of Ramesh Dookhoo and Christopher Ram, along with GGA president Hussain, who quickly adopted the idea to host it at the NexGen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue. Persons were able to experience different types of curries and also have the opportunity to participate in a COVID-19 compliant event to relax, learn to play golf absolutely free all day and support a worthy cause.

Director of the Orphanage, Kenneth Finlayson, summed it up in brief remarks “We wish to thank everyone and especially Mr Hussain, for all you did on Sunday for our children. The children really enjoyed the golf experience and the meals that were provided when they got home. God bless you all for caring for the less fortunate children.” Prime Minister Mark Phillips was unable to personally attend owing to a last-minute schedule conflict but expressed his gratitude and support for the activity that he felt was important, especially at this time of the year. Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency José Omar Hurtado Conteras, who attended with his family and benefited from golf lessons with Avinash Persaud, Guyana’s 10-time national champion, said, “This is one of the most important things we can do for the less fortunate children, give them the opportunity to be treated as a family and open our hearts to them. I am grateful to my good friend Aleem who allowed myself and family to be part of this event.”

Hussain said, “The tireless efforts by a dedicated team who worked together was the reason this event was a success and they are the ones who really deserve the thanks – Rudy Ramalingum, Michelle Codrington, Al Junior Wilson, Nadia Kalika, Ashley Chu, Philip Haynes, Niketa Ashby, Reaz, Richard, Vicky, Banks DIH Special Events Team, members of the Queenstown Mosque, Andrew Ramcharitar and Ramsey Ali, Scouts Association of Guyana, Steve Mohitram and family, Panco and staff, Coretta McDonald and the Executive of Guyana Teachers Union, Yogindra Arjune and Team Assuria, and golf coaches Avinash Persaud and Joaan Deo.” This is the third year that the Orphanage has benefitted from support though the efforts of the golfing community and current president of the LGC, Pur Persaud, expressed his feelings to Mr. Finlayson saying, “We definitely have to do more activities like this and I am glad that Aleem continues to push to get this done and I will continue to support his efforts. But at the end of the day, the real hero is you, who work every day to take care of these kids.”

Hussain credited immediate response from entities such as Maraiko Bay Resorts, Hits & Jams 98.1 Real Radio, the Guyana Critic, Toolsie Persaud, Assuria General, New Trend Auto, AR Printery, Banks DIH, Crown Mining, the Shafura Hussain Foundation, and Panko Steel who helped to bring it to reality in a very short time. Being able to provide food and beverage along with golf in an open air, COVID-19 compliant manner has given the Academy a great opportunity to promote the game to new players and that was evident by the wide spectrum of people who attended.