Guyanese in New York get ready to celebrate 58th Independence Anniversary

Rickford Burke, chairman of the Brooklyn-based Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York, says that his organization will host the official annual celebration of Guyana’s 58th Anniversary of Independence on Sunday, August 18, in Brooklyn.

Burke, who is also president of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), told Caribbean Life on Tuesday that the celebration comprises the Independence Parade, Flag-Raising and Award Ceremonies, and the grand Guyana Independence Unity Concert. 

“We are always happy to celebrate our Guyanese culture and to promote the country to the world, in spite of our significant political differences,” he said. “We come together to celebrate our independence and freedom from colonialism.” 

Burke said the parade starts at Church and Brooklyn Avenues in Brooklyn at 12:00 noon, and proceeds east on Church Avenue to Utica Avenue, then south on Utica Avenue to Glenwood Road, where it ends. 

Burke said the Independence Unity Concert will commence at 2:00 p.m. at 1450 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, between Glenwood Road and Farragut Road. 

The Flag-Raising and Award ceremonies will precede the concert, Burke said. He said the concert will feature prominent Guyanese DJs and artistes, as well as a Caribbean international superstar artiste.  

Former Guyanese MP Simona Brooms, with Rickford Burke, co-chair of GOAR and president of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), addresses Guyanese rally in Brooklyn, on Aug. 15, 2021 against alleged racism in homelandPhoto credit by Nelson A. King

Burke said the Guyana Independence Committee New York will, at the Award Ceremony, present the customary Kaieteur Award of Distinction and United States Congressional Proclamations to outstanding Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora for their “outstanding service to the Guyanese-American Community, and their contribution to the development of our nation and culture.” 

He said among the 20 outstanding honorees are: Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago Alicia Elias; Mark Benschop, former political prisoner and broadcast journalist; Dr. Gary Stephens, chief medical officer, One Brooklyn Health System, Interfaith Hospital; Vibert “Cokie” Bernard, owner of Sybil’s Restaurant in Richmont Hill, Queens; Shemar Joseph, West Indies fast bowler; Amanzo Walton Desir, Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs; Akhenation “Young Brudda” Lewis, international reggae superstar; and Brandon Parker, principal of Ivy Hill Prep Charter School in Brooklyn.  

“This celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and the second largest West Indian celebration in New York City after the Labor Day Parade,” Burke said. 

“Each year, our celebration attracts thousands of attendees, and over one million online viewers via our website and social media,” he added. “We look forward to all Guyanese and friends of Guyana celebrating our nation’s independence journey with the Diaspora.”

For more information, visit celebrateguyananyc.com.