-Ambassador Brotherson says at BHSAA New York Tri-State Chapter 35th anniversary event

CONSUL General of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in New York, Michael Brotherson, on Sunday underscored the importance of diaspora bodies to the development of Guyana.

He was at the time speaking at The Bishop’s High School Alumni Association (BHSAA) New York Tri-State Chapter 35th Anniversary celebration.

“I wish to assure you that the Government of Guyana remains mindful of the interests and contributions of diaspora bodies like yours towards your country of birth.

“As His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has always sought to underscore, the diaspora has a role to play in the development of Guyana and you members are all welcomed [sic] to make use of the opportunities that now abound in our land of many waters.

“His Excellency’s vision and leadership have now cemented his “One Guyana” philosophy as an integral aspect of Guyana’s development aspirations, and that philosophy is now indelibly rooted in our identity and unity as a nation,” Ambassador Brotherson said in his remarks.

He noted that there is no doubt that alumni associations and hometown associations, among many other groups in the diaspora, do contribute to the preservation and promulgation of Brand Guyana.

“Your perennial association with your land of birth is also palpably characterised by your advocacy, entrepreneurship, investments, philanthropy, and generational identity.
No longer is the diaspora merely synonymous with financial remittances. I am sure you will agree,” he said adding that the Government of Guyana believes in the value and efficacy of education in nation building, and concomitant with that belief, dedicates a significant percentage of the national budget to the education sector.

Noting that the efforts of alumni associations have not gone unnoticed, he added that groups such as the BHSAA New York Tri-State Chapter will always be seen as being integral to the process of enhanced diaspora engagement.