By Anthony Layne

– ‘a new era of economic expansion’ at annual Independence fundraiser

THE Guyanese Cultural Network of Tampa Bay (GCNTB) Incorporated recently held its annual Independence fund-raising dinner and dance at the prestigious Crescent Oaks Country Club, Tarpon Springs, Florida.

The event was well attended, and included among patrons were representatives of sister non-profit organisations comprising nationals of Haiti, Dominica and Barbados.
In his message to mark the event, Guyana’s Honorary Consul to the State of Florida, Mr Ramzan Roshanali extended independence greetings to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora.

He noted that this is the 13th year of the GCNTB’s service to communities in Florida and Guyana, and that the GNCTB continues to inspire Florida-based Guyanese to showcase their cultural diversity and to serve Guyana.
Zeroing in on recent offshore oil discoveries in Guyana, Roshanali said, “The offshore explorations have yielded some positive outcomes, and suggest that we will enter a new era of economic expansion.

“With economic growth come opportunities and the promise of increased standards of living and quality of life. These hopes are at the core of GCNTB’s mission, which is to improve the lives of Guyanese, whether here in the United States or back home in Guyana.”
The Mayor of Tampa, Mr Bob Buckhorn also weighed in on the event, stating in his message, “As a city known for its rich cultural history and diverse population, this event offers Tampa’s citizens the opportunity to celebrate the Guyanese culture and traditions, while supporting the goals and objectives of the Guyanese Cultural Network of Tampa Bay.”

According to Mayor Buckhorn, the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Paint Your Heart Out Tampa (PYHOT) programme and Miracle Outreach.
The PYHOT programme is a one-day volunteer effort, whereby numerous volunteers paint the homes of elderly, low-income Tampa citizens. Additionally, “outstanding college-bound high school graduates with grade point averages of 3.5 and above will also benefit,” said the mayor.
Included in the evening’s event was the presentation of awards to GCNTB founding members Coretta McAlmont and Lavinia Little for their dedication and commitment to thye organisation.

Additionally, Carinne Williams, a representative of the non-profit organisation, Sisters With A Purpose (SWAP), received a monetary donation to enable SWAP to fulfil its mission.
The GCNTB is a non-profit organisation which was established by Guyanese couple, Egerton and Joy Anderson in 2007, and pursued and acquired non-profit, tax-exempt status in the same year.

Other founding members include Wilma Blair, Coretta McAlmont, Ulric and Marva McAlmont and Cosmos and Gloria Layne.
The organisation is governed by a board, and its current president is Mr John Bailey. Its mission is to assist in improving the quality of life at home here and in the United States.
In keeping with its mission, the GCNTB participates in the PYHOT programme, and makes significant monetary contributions to the Alpha House and the Hope Children’s Home in Tampa.

Projects executed here from the organisation’s inception include the donation of medical supplies and toys to the New Amsterdam Hospital; numerous back-packs filled with school supplies to the One Mile Bartica Elementary School; clothing and food supplies to the Joshua Children’s Home; support for the Lady Jags football team; and the donation of refurbished ambulances.

According to Mrs Anderson, the GCNTB’s focus this year will be on providing school supplies to the Belladrum Primary School, West Coast Berbice.
Apart from its annual independence fund-raiser, the GCNTB’s other marquee event is “Taste of Guyana”, which is held in September, and showcases Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, including its cuisine, music, and arts and craft, as well as the cultural heritage of the Tampa Bay community.

Launched in 2005, this event was initially held bi-annually, but owing to its growth and popularity, it is now held annually.
This year’s event is scheduled for the last Saturday in September.