NYC’s Mayor Eric Adams Joins Ambassador Brotherson in Historic Flag Raising Ceremony in New York

May 29, 2024 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Despite a concerted attempt by a couple of well-known destabilizers resident in Brooklyn, New York, the Flag Raising ceremony at Bowling Green Square, Manhattan, that was held on May 24, 2024, to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Guyana’s independence, proceeded smoothly and efficiently. The event site at Bowling Green Square was brought to life by this colorful and patriotic display of Guyanese pride and sense of history.

Under a clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine, the event site which is tightly surrounded by huge majestic concrete buildings laid out in 18th century architectural splendor, the Guyana flag was risen alongside that of the American flag. The symbolism was powerful: Guyana has arrived on the international scene and has become an important player in energy, climate change, and food security. Passersby moving in vehicular traffic or as pedestrians could not restrain their curiosity and stopped to view the proceedings momentarily.

In attendance at the Flag Raising ceremony, were top ranking officials of the New York City’s administration: the Commissioner in NYC Mayor’s Office of International Relations, Hon. Edward Mermelstein; Commissioner in NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Hon. Manuel Castro; and NYC’s Chief Technology officer, Mr. Matthew Fraser. What is special about Mr. Fraser is that not only is he a young and talented Guyanese, but he also extols the role of his parents in his upbringing. The Chair of Caricom Consular and Diplomatic Corps, Consul General Alston Roach Wilson of Jamaica extended congratulations to Guyanese on behalf of the other Caricom countries.

The Chair of the Bowling Green Association, Mr. Arthur Piccolo says that he is proud to be associated with the Guyana flag raising event at this site that was started 15 years ago at the initiative of Guyanese Felicia Persaud. He also commended Guyana for being an emerging oil giant but lamented the existence of a lopsided contract!

Guyana’s Consul General Ambassador Michael Brotherson on welcoming the senior staff of the Mayor’s Office, members of Caricom Consular and Diplomatic Corps, and the NYC’s Mayor Eric Adams, stated: The excellent bilateral relations that exist between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the United States of America, and our two nations’ shared values and extant collaborations, are not only ample testimony of the recognition of Guyana as a credible partner, but also a responsible and respected member of the international community.” He continued: “The unprecedented economic growth, including infrastructural and social developments are embedded in the stated and pursued national development objectives of President Ali and the Government of Guyana.”

In introducing the NYC’s Mayor Hon. Eric Adams, Ms. Tania Kinsella, NYC’s First Deputy Police Commissioner, proudly said that her name is Tania Mahabir, to emphasize her Guyanese heritage. She referred to previous engagements she has had with President Ali. To further demonstrate the importance of her Guyanese heritage, she ensured that the event was also graced by some NYC Guyanese-origin police officers.

The Mayor informed the audience that several key officials in his administration are of Guyanese heritage like Tania Kinsella and Matthew Fraser. He pointed out that Ms. Tania is the second in charge of the largest police force in the world, the NYPD. He commended the Guyanese New Yorkers for their contribution to the City’s development. After extending congratulations to Guyana on its 58^th anniversary, the Mayor was given a token of appreciation (a gold tie pin with a Guyana map) by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (GRGUN).

The host of the program, the popular Brooklynite-Guyanese Pastor James Richmond, invited well-known Guyanese folk singer, Mr. Rick Dalgetty to serenade the audience with Guyanese folk songs, while Jevanah La Rose rendered two patriotic songs.

The American flag was raised by Ambassador Brotherson and Mayor Adams to the rendition of the American National Anthem while the Guyana flag was next raised to the Guyana National Anthem. The audience was then invited for refreshments at the Guyana Consulate at 228 East 45^th Street, New York. It was a great moment for Guyana and the program was well put together by the Guyana Consulate and the GRGUN staff.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tara Singh

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• Ambassador Brotherson, Dr Tara Singh, Eric Adams, Historic Flag Raising Ceremony, NYC's Mayor

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