ABOUT
US
An
informal organization of Guyana Defence Force
veterans took form on Sunday 8 June 1986 by way of a
meeting held at 3608 Clarendon Rd, Brooklyn (David’s
Guyana Restaurant). The meeting was attended by
twenty-eight former members of the GDF who were
resident in the New York area. Two serving members
of the GDF also attended.
That meeting was convened, after a
few weeks of informal discussions, held by a
founding group of Guyana Defence Force veterans.
Members of the founding group were Ian Fraser,
Claude Woolward and Maxwell Hinds.
The stated goal was to build an
organization that could reinforce the bonds of
friendship and brotherhood which were fostered
during active service in the Guyana Defence Force.
At that meeting, a Steering
Committee was established. Ian Fraser was appointed
President of the Steering Committee. Neville Layne
and Edward Assing were appointed as Vice-Presidents,
Maxwell Hinds as Secretary, Fairborn David as
Treasurer and Everett Lilly and Claude Woolward as
Committee Members.
It was not until 2001 that The XGDF
Association of New York was eventually incorporated.
Early
Activities
A Reunion Function was held at Small
Boy’s Lounge on Utica Avenue on 23rd August 1986.
The first Dinner Dance of the
Association was held on 26th December 1986 at the
Tropical Springs Ballroom, Nostrand Ave, in
Brooklyn.
Sporting events were organized and
family gatherings were encouraged.
Membership
As
of September 2008, there were 152 Financial
Members on record. There are three Honorary
Members. Membership dues are currently one
hundred dollars per year. Life Membership
may be granted on the recommendation of two life
members in good standing, after the aspirant has
served at least three years as a financial member.
Meetings
The venue for meetings was the
backyard of David’s Restaurant. As time went on,
meetings were rotated among the homes of members.
In 1995 the members began pooling
resources to purchase a building.
In 1996 they acquired a mixed-use
property with two apartments and a storefront at
132-16 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, New York.
.Meetings are now held at that
building on the third Sunday of every month.
Social gatherings by family and
friends are encouraged at weekends.
Members also utilize the premises to
celebrate special family occasions.
A domino club – the New York Domino
Association - has been established and meets there
regularly.
A dinner club- The Curry Club- has
also been established by some Life Members
who meet on a weekly basis.
Major
Events and Activities
Each year the program of the
Association features a Barbecue on the Saturday
closest to 4th July.
A family fun day is held at Hempstead
State Park in the second week of August.
Other occasions when families of
members are able to socialize and strengthen their
relationships are Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and
Veterans Day.
Fundraisers
Other activities are organized mainly
to raise funds. An annual bus ride is organized for
that purpose.
Fundraising Dances are also held from
time to time.
Outreach
The Association reaches out to
veteran soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force
residing in Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia,
California, Toronto Canada and Guyana.
The XGDF Association of Guyana was
established in February 2008.
The XGDF Association of Georgia was
established in May 2008.
The Guyana Ex-Soldiers Association
of Canada (founded in 1983) and The GDF Veterans of
LA (founded in 2000) are friendly organizations with
close ties to the XGDF of New York.
The Guyana Legion and the Guyana
Veterans Foundation - ( Guyana-based) - are also
friendly organizations, with close ties to the XGDF
of New York..
Cordial relationships have also been
established with other Guyanese-American
organizations in the New York area.
Charitable
Activities
Occasionally, donations are made to
GDF veterans in the USA and Guyana. Donations to
Guyana’s veterans have included cash, toys, medical
supplies and used clothing. In some instances,
funeral expenses of veterans have been supplemented
with donations from the organization.
Each year a Christmas Party is held
for children in the GDF veteran community of Queens
and Brooklyn.
Guyanese
cultural and sports ventures in the New York area
have also been beneficiaries of the goodwill of the
XGDF Association.
Conclusion
The XGDF
Organization is constantly streamlining its
operations and image in promotion of the best
interests of all veterans of the Guyana Defence
Force.
Increased fund
raising is a major focus. The intention is to
increase charitable activity in the general
community and to develop a strong support network in
the service of Guyanese military veterans and their
families.
