At Guyana Relief Council Annual Luncheon and Dutch Auction
– expresses appreciation to PM Hinds for sustained support and patronage
AT the Guyana Relief Council’s fundraising Annual Luncheon and Dutch Auction, held yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana, Chairperson of the organisation gave credit to the success of the GRC’s operations to many selfless persons who give unstintingly of their time and resources with consistency and dedication. The Savannah Suite of the Hotel was transformed with decorative features donated by several persons and the crème de la crème of Guyanese, blended with a spicy dish of expatriate and diplomatic society, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and his always lovely and gracious wife and Chairperson of the GRC, Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, filled the several tables to capacity.
At the head table were treasurer of the organization, Mrs. Barbara Walrond, Father Kwame Gilbert, who blessed the occasion, Vice-Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Maurice Amres, Social Services Minister Priya Manickchand, GRC Secretary Mrs. Nirmala Ramroop-terWelle, and Mrs. Hinds.  Mistress of Ceremonies was Ms Juanita Hubern.
Delivering the feature address, Mrs. Hinds expressed her pleasure to meet and greet the guests, whose presence she said provides encouragement, and lend tangible support to GRC’s humanitarian mission.  She explained that the activity yesterday was important in several ways, not least is the restoration of depleted resources, but also to celebrate individuals and corporate entities whose “participation, co-operation, contribution, generosity and service to others in distress have ‘cast their bread upon the waters’”.
She acknowledged the continuum of traditional support by the new management of Pegasus Hotel Guyana, specially thanking Mr. Robert Badal. The Le Meridien Pegasus has been sponsoring the GRC’s annual fund-raising activity since 16 years ago, when the organization produced “Lights in the Forest.”
Mrs. Hinds named several individuals, families and communities that the GRC has helped over the years, making special mention of the 45 families of Mahdia, who lost both homes and livelihoods when the entire shopping and business centre was razed by fire on 10th November last.  She said that in this instance the GRC also, apart from material assistance, provided logistical support and advice to various Government agencies.
Not only national needs are met, but the organization also made a contribution to the Civil Defence Commission, the coordinating agency for assistance to Haiti in the wake of the recent earthquake the demolished lives and properties of that already-impoverished nation.
According to Mrs. Hinds “…realistic help is given in the shortest possible time and the criterion for receiving help is genuine need; not a person’s geographical location, political persuasion,  race, gender, religion, or any other distinguishing factor.”
She continued “We are indeed proud of our unconditional approach, which provides to so many families burdened, distressed and vulnerable in the wake of a disaster.”
Saying that it seems as though Mother Nature’s wrath has gone ballistic as that of the terrorists, as human beings are literally torn from the grasp of their loved ones, naming some of the worse global catastrophes of recent times and the ensuing hope occasioned by human intervention that found solutions to successfully intervene in grave situations that saved many human lives that had been given up for lost, Mrs. Hinds said that in Guyana, apart from the 2005/6 floods, we are largely safe from such major catastrophes, for which we should thank God.
Explaining that fundraising drives are essential to sustain operations of the GRC, since, ‘donor-fatigue’ and the fact that many NGO’s are vying for funding from the same limited sources, Mrs. Hinds said that the organization has to find innovative ways of raising funds, and continue to persist by setting achievable goals. She appealed to the bureaucracy to open up channels of assistance to the GRC so that it can expand its scope of work.
“This Council, under my watch, will not ‘throw up our hands’ and threaten to close our doors because the Government has not increased the small subvention given, since 1996; or provided the courtesy of a reply to our letters requesting that donations be treated as Deeds of Covenant, i.e. tax exemptions,” said the GRC chairperson, who continued “…..usually at the GRC, when things get difficult they come to the chairman.  Well, the only thing for me to do is some ‘pillow-talk’.
“On a more serious note, we would appreciate more assistance from the Government as we strive to provide a safety net for those in distress….We at the GRC, with your support, will continue to give it our best shot at all times to ensure that no-one who comes to us for help is turned away. It was Mother Theresa who said “Let no-one come to you, without leaving better and happier. We have pledged our services to the people of Guyana and we would always be there when they are in need or distress. If I could have a single wish today, it would be to have more people volunteering – and if I could have just one other wish it would be for them to be volunteering with the GRC…..the more you give, the happier and healthier you will be.
“ I would like you to walk in the shoes, or with your bare feet on the path of those who suffer disasters – put yourself in their situation for just a moment and experience their agony, helplessness, and loss of hope; which I trust would push you to join in the collective cry of ‘there, but for the grace of God go I’ and demonstrate your God-given ability to ‘reach out’ and touch to soothe wounds, give shelter, and provide healing to a world of crises and calamities.
Mrs. Hinds concluded her address by thanking the many persons and entities that have supported the GRC over the years in cash, kind, or voluntary assistance “…and last, but certainly not least, my dear husband, Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Hinds for his unconditional love and support as I pursue my passion for helping others.”
After a delicious luncheon, awards and prizes were presented to some persons who have outstandingly contributed to the GRC. These were Mr. Vic Insanally, who was described thus: “Mr. Victor Insanally, fondly referred to as Vic, is a prominent figure in the national landscape.  Being a former broadcaster and now operator of one of the premier local advertising entities, he possesses a recognizable voice and embodies the charm, dynamism and wit that make him an invaluable asset. As Chairman or host of any event, a task he executes effortlessly, his remarkable oratory skills are a rare treat.
“Mr. Insanally’s eloquence has been on display at this event over the years and many can attest to the humour and candour he injects to an appreciative audience.
“He has contributed immeasurably to the GRC over the years as a donor and friend. Today we recognize the efforts of Mr. Victor Insanally and present this plaque as an appreciation……”;
Demtoco – for sustained support to GRC;
Ms. Josephine Hill, who was described as thoughtful, generous and kind;
Nalini Ramcharitar, who heads the GRC Fl Inc;
Metro Office and Computer Supplies, for sustained assistance spanning years;
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Adams of the USA, who contribute cash and kind on a sustained basis.
Mrs. Ping, Proprietor of the New Thriving Restaurant, was given a gold pin award for being a philanthropist, friend, and contributor to the GRC.
Tokens of appreciation were presented to Mr. Hugh Gooding and Ms Dionne Lewis.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, on behalf of members and staff of the GRC presented to Mrs Yvonne Hinds for being, described by GRC Treasurer, Mrs. Barbara Walrond as, apart from always being impeccably dressed and can arguably be described as a fashionista, she is also “…a hands-on leader who is a beacon of hope…”, under whose stewardship the organisation attained an administrative building, a shelter that provides temporary accommodation in relative comfort for displaced families, two vehicles that enables greater mobility to enhance and expand the GRC’s operations, and a sister unit of the organization – GRC Fl Inc, among many other achievements. Mrs. Walrond said that Mrs. Hinds treats all whom the organization helps with respect and dignity, insisting that they be treated as the GRC members would want themselves and their family members treated in such circumstances.
Items auctioned were a Zimbabwean leopard stone sculpture donated by Dr. Theodora, which went to Sigi Sanker for $80,000; an stunningly-beautiful ornate hand-painted ceramic vase, donated by the New Thriving Restaurant, which was won by Ramdeo Kumar on a bid that topped at $89,000; while seven-year-old Darren Walrond, who masterfully bid his own money with the best and suavest bidders, copped the Digicel Blackberry Curve phone at a top bid of $$114,000, and at the end everyone was rooting for the little boy, who bid so sportingly, to win the Blackberry phone he so obviously wanted. Several persons also won door prizes.
Paul Persaud enhanced the transporting ambience of the occasion with melodious recorded music, while live renderings of violin and piano music were done by Dr. Prashandis Mendis and Marcello. A stunning display of vocal talent was provided by mother/daughter duo, Sandrina Abrams and Laura Walrond, and Sandrina Abrams and Cleveland Hutson.
The Prime Minister has said that it would be wonderful if the spirit of Christmas prevails throughout the year. Well, in that gathering of who’s who in Guyana’s societal hierarchy, it seems that the spirit of goodness and goodwill prevails perennially to sustain the operational dynamics of the GRC, so ably captained by Mrs. Yvonne Hinds.