Consulate General of Guyana in New York

11/11/2024

11/07/2024

Mark Conway is gone too soon. Your contributions to national development far outmatched the length of your life innings. We are much poorer without you, and I want to thank your family for sharing you in service to our country. I extend my condolences to the family and pray that God grants you faith and patience during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Mark.

11/05/2024

Gov’t remains mindful of diaspora’s interests, contributions
Picture of Staff Reporter
By Staff Reporter
| November 4, 2024

Ambassador Brotherson joins members of The Bishop’s High School Alumni Association (BHSAA) New York Tri-State Chapter’s for the 35th Anniversary celebration on Sunday
-Ambassador Brotherson says at BHSAA New York Tri-State Chapter 35th anniversary event


CONSUL General of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in New York, Michael Brotherson, on Sunday underscored the importance of diaspora bodies to the development of Guyana.

He was at the time speaking at The Bishop’s High School Alumni Association (BHSAA) New York Tri-State Chapter 35th Anniversary celebration.

“I wish to assure you that the Government of Guyana remains mindful of the interests and contributions of diaspora bodies like yours towards your country of birth.

“As His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has always sought to underscore, the diaspora has a role to play in the development of Guyana and you members are all welcomed [sic] to make use of the opportunities that now abound in our land of many waters.

“His Excellency’s vision and leadership have now cemented his “One Guyana” philosophy as an integral aspect of Guyana’s development aspirations, and that philosophy is now indelibly rooted in our identity and unity as a nation,” Ambassador Brotherson said in his remarks.

He noted that there is no doubt that alumni associations and hometown associations, among many other groups in the diaspora, do contribute to the preservation and promulgation of Brand Guyana.

“Your perennial association with your land of birth is also palpably characterised by your advocacy, entrepreneurship, investments, philanthropy, and generational identity.
No longer is the diaspora merely synonymous with financial remittances. I am sure you will agree,” he said adding that the Government of Guyana believes in the value and efficacy of education in nation building, and concomitant with that belief, dedicates a significant percentage of the national budget to the education sector.

Noting that the efforts of alumni associations have not gone unnoticed, he added that groups such as the BHSAA New York Tri-State Chapter will always be seen as being integral to the process of enhanced diaspora engagement.

Source: https://guyanachronicle.com/2024/11/04/govt-remains-mindful-of-diasporas-interests-contributions/

11/05/2024

Gov’t welcomes efforts of diaspora groups – Ambassador Brotherson
November 4, 2024
The Government welcomes the contributions of various diaspora groups to assist in building and moving the economy rapidly along the right developmental trajectory.

These were the sentiments expressed by Consul General of Guyana in New York, HE Ambassador Michael Brotherson while speaking at the commemorative service of the Bishops’ High School New York Tri-State Chapter in the USA, on Sunday.

“As the representative of the government and the people of Guyana in the area in which your association is based, I wish to assure you that the Government of Guyana remains mindful of the interests and contributions of diaspora bodies like yours towards the country of your birth,” he stated.

The ambassador also reminded the audience of President Ali’s call for members of the diaspora to seize the opportunities available in their homeland.

He further posited that the president’s “One Guyana” initiative perfectly encapsulates all the development being undertaken.

“His Excellency’s vision and leadership have now cemented his “One Guyana” philosophy as an integral aspect of Guyana’s development aspirations, and that philosophy is now indelibly rooted in our identity and unity as a nation,” Brotherson expressed.

He commended the liveliness of the association, highlighting the traits they display as proof of effectiveness in their actions.

“Your perennial association with your land of birth is also palpably characterised by your advocacy, entrepreneurship, investments, philanthropy, and generational identity. No longer is the diaspora merely synonymous with financial remittances,” the ambassador highlighted.

He further cited that the Government believes in the value and efficacy of education as it plays a pivotal role in nation-building. The Guyanese diplomat shed light on the fact that government continues to dedicate a significant percentage of the national budget towards the Education sector.

He noted that the roles of those who continue to contribute to their alma mater are similarly crucial to a successful delivery of educational services at schools.

Source: https://dpi.gov.gy/govt-welcomes-efforts-of-diaspora-groups-ambassador-brotherson/

11/04/2024

Consul General of Guyana to New York Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, during a recent diaspora outreach in Queens, announced that his office had engaged the International Organization for Migration, ((IOM) on a diaspora project which will take professionals from the Tri-state area to lend their skills in Guyana, and to learn more of the Republic during an upcoming mission.

The program, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Minister Hugh Todd, will welcome professionals working in technology and construction, among other areas, to share their skills, conduct field studies, and provide training. The project would allow the team to travel across the Republic, in keeping with the government’s diaspora engagement strategy aimed at harnessing the expertise of diasporas, said CG Brotherson.

The diplomat, who has been the topic of a recent “letter to the editor” article, commending his distinguished leadership at the Guyana Consulate New York for transforming the diplomatic office into a people-oriented, people-centered organization reflecting the philosophy of the government’s “One Guyana“ doctrine, told this reporter that it’s not about him, but working with an excellent staff to provide efficient services to Guyanese, and “good diasporans like yourself who assist the work of the consulate.“

“We can call on any of you many times to be a part of what we do. We apply the rules, and even though we get assistance from the diaspora, it is always within the confines, and what is permissible,” said the diplomat.

The article applauded the envoy for his engagement with the Guyanese communities in the Greater New York region, fulfilling a powerful mechanism of inclusivity, a comment that CG Brotherson attributed to the staff work ethic that drives the success of the consulate.

The first series of outreaches started in 2023, and the first in a series that began earlier in 2024, in Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, Schenectady, Connecticut, and continued Saturday, Oct. 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2, the same diasporic communities, that GC Brotherson said, is a direct mandate from President Irfaan Ali.

“It’s not that we haven’t had outreaches before, but this time around, the focus has been on promoting unity within the diaspora, and President Ali’s One Guyana concept, and his belief that people should come together and serve each other well. Coming out to communities helps in that regard, where persons can interact with us, apart from the office, share their concerns, and be served then on the spot, which is necessary.“

“I can‘t help but emphasize how much President Ali has been involved, at his level, to know that his people are served efficiently, and the Ministry headed by our Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd who has also been very supportive. Every time he visits New York, he gives us guidance that helps in the process.”

The CG said that interest in Guyana is increasing daily. President Ali mentioned on his last visit that the number of passport applications we reported back home had increased.

“It shows in a broader sense interest that nationals are having in our country. Not necessary always to return to live, but to be a part of what is happening, to contribute to the development trajectory of the country. The government is always keen on that, to have you diasporans come and be a part of what is happening in Guyana.“

He said the government’s diaspora engagement strategy, which is aimed at harnessing our diaspora, is not only about remittances; it is much wider than that. There are skills, human services, philanthropy, medical outreach programs, and free services offered by alumni associations.

“Our young people are an integral part of the diaspora. They don’t see the diaspora as a thing of the past,“ he added.

“The consulate was faced with turning away the third generation of Guyanese in the diaspora who are requesting passports. Unfortunately, the law only allows up to a second generation to be passport holders,” he said.

“It shows again the interest and how connected the diaspora is with the capital. We have never had this influx of young people wanting to be a part of Guyana. And this has nothing to do with oil; it has to do with how the country is positioned and branded, in addition to the progressive leadership.“

“Generally, it’s because of developments that are taking place, and people want to be associated with that. Not necessary for personal development, but pride.”

Everything is not perfect, he reasoned, “but when you look around, you see development. Every time I go home, I see something different. All these things are critical, apart from the services that we provide.

CG Brotherson praised elected officials at home who are available to speak to diasporans. “Of course, it’s not a case of walking into an office, but yes, we are very accommodating. When our president and vice president, the prime minister visit, they meet with nationals. There is no disconnect. All we can do is build on that.“

He says the outreaches have been bombarded with requests for passports, National Insurance Scheme benefits, birth certificates, registration of overseas births, notarization of powers of attorney, and travel documents, which are some of the services delivered to thousands of nationals across the outreach areas to conduct business in the homeland.

The diplomat thanked this reporter and Caribbean Life for reporting on the work the consulate is doing to promote Guyana’s work in the diaspora. “I want to thank you,“ he said, noting that his three decades bring to bear the work being done at the consulate.

“Looking after our nationals abroad is a key foreign policy objective inculcated by the government, so we are aware that we must treat our people in the diaspora with courtesy and decorum. We address their matters so they feel comfortable knowing the representative they have is of the quality that the country deserves, said Ambassador Brotherson.

Consulate staff include Indranie Persaud, Donna Christophe, Vanessa Ward, Kwesi Smith, Nacifa Watson, Akilah Huntley-Olius, Joe Yussuff, Naraine Lutchman, Jeff McNaughton, Michael Brotherson, Leanna Paul, Karen Persaud, Daby Sukhandan, and Fazia Khusial.

Consul General of Guyana to New York Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, during a recent diaspora outreach in Queens, announced that his office had engaged the

11/04/2024

Cash grant distribution app to be launched after rigorous testing – GS Jagdeo
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General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has made clear that the new app to help with the distribution of the $100,000 cash grant will not be launched until all the relevant tests have been made.

He made this point while being questioned during his party’s press conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street.

The GS made no hesitation in highlighting that the app launch will be no secret as all Guyanese, locally and who reside in the diaspora, will be informed when the app is ready for use.

“We have not launched anything as yet, nothing has been launched fully because the testing is going on. They told me they are testing. We are not going to launch it (the app) until it is tested and I think then they will do a press conference at which it is launched so that people here and abroad will know how to utilise the app,” the GS emphasised.

He added, “We made it clear. It has to go through rigorous testing first to ensure it is secure and that it covers all the fields, etc.”

Moreover, the GS warned against the misinformation rhetoric being peddled by anti-government elements.

“I see a lot of confusion. APNU is opposed to Guyanese living abroad getting the money. These people have to be a bit more sensible,” he stressed. Dr Jagdeo also noted that the app is being developed locally, with the assistance of various experts in the technical field from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has made clear that the new app to help with the distribution of the $100,000 cash grant will not be launched until all…

11/04/2024

AMBASSADOR MICHAEL E. BROTHERSON, CONSUL GENERAL OF THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA, THIRD FROM RIGHT WITH EXECUTIVES OF THE BISHOPS' HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEW YORK TRI- STATE CHAPTER

11/03/2024

Today, on Saturday November 2, 2024, the Guyana Consulate of New York proudly participated in the DIVYA JYOTI ASSOCIATION’s “Let’s Light Up Liberty Avenue Diwali Festival of Lights.” This vibrant celebration highlights the cultural richness of the Hindu Guyanese diaspora, bringing together the community to honor the festival of Diwali, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The Consulate's involvement underscores its commitment to fostering cultural ties and promoting unity among diverse communities in the region.

The festival transformed Liberty Avenue now known as Little Guyana Avenue into a dazzling display of lights, colors, and festivities, featuring traditional music, dance performances, and delicious cuisine. As attendees gathered to enjoy the joyous atmosphere, the Guyana Consulate engaged with the community, sharing insights into Guyana’s own cultural heritage. This collaborative celebration not only reinforces the bonds among residents but also showcases the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up the fabric of the local community.

10/28/2024

$283 billion to be invested towards transforming communities in 5 years
October 27, 2024
– GS Jagdeo

In an unwavering commitment to transforming livelihoods, the government has earmarked $283 billion towards improving housing infrastructure across Guyana, with investments spanning 2020 to 2025. With $230 billion allocated so far, the government aims to invest another $52 billion in 2025.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, detailed the significant investments by his government on Thursday, at Freedom House in Georgetown.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Since 2020, investments focused on developing infrastructure in housing schemes, including in roads, electricity and water, transforming barren landscape into prosperous communities.

“You can’t get a true picture of the vast amounts of work being done in East Bank and East Coast and other parts of the country, especially because these are where the bulk of the demand are… I wish (Guyanese) would fly over and see the massive work being done by Guyanese contractors, transforming barren landscapes, rice fields land into what will be thriving communities of the future,” he expressed during his engagement with the media.

This five-year plan complements the goal of delivering 50,000 house lots by 2025, providing Guyanese with accessibility and improving the quality of life for thousands of Guyanese. Already, the Ministry of Housing and Water has allocated over 30,000 house lots, signalling the government’s staunch commitment to providing housing opportunities.

Approximately, 755 house lots were allocated in Region Two, 812 in Region Three, 23,263 in Region Four and 1,000 thousand in Region Five. Some 1800 lots were allocated in Region Six and another 134 in Region Seven, with nearly thousands allocated in Regions Nine and 10.

“People (who) have their allocations, the infrastructure is being put in and soon they will start being able to go to those places,” the general secretary assured.

The government is also providing housing opportunities to those in the hinterland, with homes to be constructed in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine through the Hinterland Housing Programme.

Another success story in the housing sector, includes the steel and cement voucher to support people in building their homes.

“1343 persons have gotten vouchers for steel and cement for small homes. That’s over $300 million have been given to small people to assist them with steel and cement for small homes to offset some increase in steel prices and sand prices,” Dr Jagdeo added.

Jagdeo expressed confidence about the country’s future, particularly due to the large-scale investments facilitated by the government in infrastructure initiatives, including in the housing sector.

Source: https://dpi.gov.gy/283-billion-to-be-invested-towards-transforming-communities-in-5-years/

10/27/2024

The Consulate General of Guyana, New York conducted another successful outreach in Brooklyn at the Restoration Temple Assembly of God yesterday.
Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, the Consul General, led the outreach team that provided various types of services including those related to processing of passports, births and marriage certificates, registration of overseas births, NIS Life Certificates, notarization of documents, among others.
This series of outreaches will continue on Saturday, 02 November 2024 in Schenectady, upstate New York.

10/24/2024

President Ali champions digital learning, AI to address learning loss, bridge digital gap in the Caribbean
October 23, 2024
– At 4th CXC Ministerial Summit

Recognising that the Caribbean region has not fully embraced technology, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali underscored the need for education leaders to be proactive and adopt technology-driven methods in education delivery to address pertinent challenges.

The head of state posited his appeal during a virtual keynote address at the 4th Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Ministerial Summit on Wednesday.

Held in the twin-island of Trinidad, education ministers and stakeholders convened for strategic discussions on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovations in Shaping Caribbean Education’.

President Ali pointed out that digital solutions and AI can be instrumental in improving access to education, better learning options for persons living with disabilities, reduced administrative burdens on teachers and even personalized learning to cater to each student’s needs.

He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the need to embrace digital solutions in education, as countries were unprepared for this.

“By incorporating AI responsibly, we can empower our students to become not just consumers of technology, but achieve ethical participants in its development and use…Let us focus on how we can accelerate digital learning, reduce the digital divide, and make AI a tool of progress rather than a source of fear,” President Ali asserted.

With the world rapidly evolving, President Ali said the Caribbean risks falling behind –like in every industrial revolution – if the Caribbean remains unprepared to harness AI as a tool of progress.

President Ali pointed out that the region is already suffering from a severe digital gap, since ‘chalk-and-talk’ teaching methods are still being used.

According to the president, this comes with serious implications that includes the inability to educate the next generation effectively.

“This is a gap that we must close quickly…It is not just a question of access, but of quality and equity,” the head of state further underscored.

Moreover, for this to be attained, President Ali said heavy investments is necessary to building smart classroom, integrate technologies and ensure educators receive training to operate a digital classroom.

Even though the associated costs are exorbitant, the cost of no action will be greater, resulting in students becoming unprepared for the digital world, he emphasised.

“For many countries that have limited fiscal space, the cost of reducing the digital divide in education will create financial pressures on their budgets, but will represent an investment in future development,” he goes on to explain.

As technology becomes imminent in education, President Ali impressed upon stakeholders to ensure technologies are introduced responsibly and ethically.

The president urged education leaders to be proactive in addressing challenges to ensure the skills and analytical skills provided by the education system, are not undermined.

“Our goal should be to prepare our students to thrive in a world where technology is evolving while ensuring that they remain critical thinkers, capable of navigating a future full of complexity and change,” President Ali underlined.

The summit features presentations and round tables from regional Ministers, two plenary sessions, university academics who collectively interrogated the impact of technological innovations on Caribbean Education. They also explored how regional policymakers and educators can work smarter using AI.

Source: https://dpi.gov.gy/president-ali-champions-digital-learning-ai-to-address-learning-loss-bridge-digital-gap-in-the-caribbean/

10/21/2024

10/19/2024

The Consulate General of Guyana, New York continues a series of outreaches led by Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson and staff.Todays outreach was held in Queens at the Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. The outreaches will continue in the impending weeks in Brooklyn and Schenectady.

10/17/2024

10/16/2024

Ambassador Michael Brotherson has taken the NY Consulate to greater heights
By Staff Reporter
| October 15, 2024


Dear Editor,
UNDER the distinguished leadership of Ambassador Michael Brotherson, the Guyana Consulate in New York has been transformed into a people-oriented, people-centred organisation that reflects the philosophy of the PPP/C government’s “One Guyana” doctrine.
The Consulate’s regular engagements with the Guyanese communities in the Greater New York region is fulfilling a powerful mechanism of inclusivity.

Like Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, Ambassador Brotherson takes his Consul Office and staff to the people who need urgent service. This approach leads to swifter processing of issues and major reduction of frustration.
Guyanese who travel for long distances to reach the Consulate to file applications for birth certificates, passports, and other services are now relieved of that burden and are also certain that within a specified time their matter would be satisfactorily resolved.

Saturday, October 12, 2024 marked the beginning of a second series of outreaches organised by the Consulate. Earlier in the year, they held outreaches in Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, and Upstate New York Connecticut. In this second series, the Consulate would conduct outreaches in Queens (October 19), followed by Brooklyn (October 26) and Upstate New York (November 2). At the New Jersey outreach on Saturday, October 12, 2024, they attended to scores of Guyanese drawn from East Orange and Newark areas.
The services rendered include: processing applications for new passports; applications for lost or mutilated passports; emergency travel documents; applications for birth/marriage/death certificates; registration of overseas births; notarisation of powers of attorney and other documents (like Bank)and

notarisation of Life Certificates. The people served were very grateful and expressed gratitude to Ambassador Brotherson and his hard working staff who also assisted with other personal issues.
Outreaches are conducted for other purposes too. These include the Independence and Republic Flag Raising ceremonies, the Emancipation Day Observance at Medgar Evers College (Brooklyn), public engagements with top government officials; and the Guyana Government-Private Sector Job Fair at the Marriott in New York near to La Guardia Airport.

Ambassador Brotherson and his staff have shown a readiness and capacity to be guided by the “One Guyana” vision of the President, and have been carrying out their tasks with care, concern and respect for the people they serve.
They have set a good example for other public servants to follow. It is this approach to service at the NY Consulate that has led to community and religious leaders showering praises on Ambassador Brotherson and his staff for their hard work and professionalism. Congratulations!
Yours sincerely,
Dr Tara Singh

Source: https://guyanachronicle.com/2024/10/15/ambassador-michael-brotherson-has-taken-the-ny-consulate-to-greater-heights/