CG Brotherson welcomes CARICOM partners, diasporans, at jolly Christmas social in NYC

The halls of the Guyana Consulate in Manhattan were joyfully decorated with elements of Christmas and filled with laughter, music, and the smell of national dishes, thanks to Consul General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, who welcomed a gleeful group of diasporans and members of CARICOM for an evening of holiday cheer.

The diplomat, dressed to impress, thanked nationals, whom he called wonderful Guyanese, for attending the Christmas social and shared that it had been a very long but successful year at the consulate.

“We have been able to carry out our mandate with much alacrity. It is something that we must continue doing. “Our mandate comes directly from His Excellency President Irfaan Ali. He’s keenly interested in having the diaspora served with dignity and respect. I am happy to see so many of you here, my friends and schoolmates, and everyone who came to celebrate with my wonderful staff and me.”

In his brief remarks, the ambassador spoke highly of the Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Alsion Wilson, chair of the CARICOM Consular Corps, calling her his boss and a wonderful lady “who has been a leader for us. We have interacted and have pursued several projects together to enhance the lives of our diasporans. Alsion has been a beacon in our efforts to serve our collective Caribbean people,” he said.

“Ambassador, thank you so much for all that you do for not only the Guyanese in New York but for the Caribbean as a whole, said Wilson.
“We have a long-standing relationship, and Jamaica is here in full force. Thanks for the support we receive from you and your fantastic staff,” said Council General Wilson.

“The only thing, though, ambassador, is that when we arrived, I was hoping for a Christmas gift to Jamaica of some of your oil,” she quipped and called on Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud to oblige, much to the tickle of celebrants.

“We love Guyana. The relationship we shared over the past years will continue as we serve the Jamaican and Guyana diaspora here in New York. Please remember that I have leaned on you so many times for advice and support, you can continue to do the same, and Jamaica will always be here to support you.”

“Thank you so much for inviting us. I’m looking forward to the roti and curry chicken,” she mused. Congratulations and Merry Christmas to all concluded CG Wilson.
Ambassador Brotherson welcomed Guyana’s Minister Robert M. Persaud, who was in New York and gladly agreed to attend the Christmas social. The diplomat also mentioned that

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd had recently departed New York after a meeting and had sent his regrets.
Persaud, who also serves as Guyana’s High Representative for the United Nations Security Council Affairs and Co-chair of the U.S.-Caribbean High-Level Action Committee on Food Security, extended festive greetings to Ambassador Brotherson, the Consulate, and Mission to the UN Staff members, representatives from CARICOM countries, expatriates, and community leaders. He also brought greetings from President Irfaan Ali, the government, and the people of Guyana.

“To our consulate staff, Ambassador Brotherson, Fazal Yusseff, and others who engage Guyanese in the diaspora, you continue to be the frontline face of our government here in New York and the greater New York area. It’s through you that we connect, and through you here at the consulate, we serve this large Guyanese diaspora,” said Persaud.

The politician spoke of Guyana’s transformational and economic growth and urged nationals to play their part in “making the mind and the health of our country one in which we will continue to win the admiration of not only our people within the country but wider afield.

“I want also to encourage the staff and commend them for the work that they’ve been doing. Give them a round of applause,” he encouraged, adding, “The consulate belongs to you, too. This is not only the property of the government of Guyana, but also the property of the people of Guyana.”

“I want you to ensure that the ambassador and his team deliver, but especially as we go into 2025 and given the great things that are going to be happening in our country, we also have to have that greater outlook in how we serve people, how we engage, and how it is that we try to facilitate development and support every single day.”

“I wish you and your family a happy, bright, and prosperous new year. I want to assure you that our government will stay the course for the prosperity and development of our people and our country,” the politician said.

The cheerful evening’s proceedings, emceed by Claire Patterson-Monah, included the handing over of a Proclamation from New Jersey Senator Britnee Timberlake and Plaques from the Guyana American Heritage Foundation, NJ, presented by the organization’s president, Lady Ira Lewis. The accolades went to Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson and Fazel Yussuff, Diaspora Unit, Consulate.

Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar also sent greetings.
And after feasting on fine Guyanese fare from Fazee’s Delight Restaurant, guests danced the evening away to the music of DJ Wacky Spontaneous Crew.