VISIT TO GUYANA 9/11/09-9/25/09

Notes by I.C. Fraser

The XGDF Association of New York completed its visit to XGDF of Guyana on 25^th September 2009. Led by President I.C. Fraser, the visiting group, comprising 43 members and friends, departed JFK on 11^th Sept and was met at Timehri by the President of XGDF Guyana, George Gomes, and a welcome party of about fifteen members.

On Saturday 13^th Sept, the Executives of XGDF New York and Guyana paid a courtesy call on President Carl Morgan and Executives of the Guyana Legion. Matters of mutual interest were discussed. The XGDF organizations pledged full support to the efforts of the Legion. XGDF New York presented a commemorative plaque to the Legion.

Later in the day, a presentation of six barrels of clothing was made to XGDF Guyana by Vice-President Veronica Rollins.

On Sunday 14^th, the visitors joined their hosts and regular parishioners, at a church service at St. Paul’s Church, at Plaisance. The service was conducted by Pastor Reynolds, a former GDF Warrant Officer. The President of the Legion and Brigadier- General Collins also attended.

On Sunday afternoon, the visitors attended the regular meeting of the XGDF of Guyana, which was held at King Solomon’s Plaza Hotel. The attendance of local members was overwhelming. By the end of the meeting over 300 persons would have enjoyed the virtual reunion with the visiting team. President I.C.Fraser presented a commemorative plaque to the XGDF of Guyana.

On Monday 14^th, the XGDF Organizations hosted a lunch for some of the less fortunate GDF veterans, at the Guyana Legion Hall. This was a very uplifting experience for the 14 veterans who were served and entertained by our members. “Sailor”… former Front Line singer….and now one of the less fortunate veterans, serenaded the visitors with a moving rendition. Bertie Green, former long-time cook, was quiet -but prominent.

On the evening of Tuesday 15^th, there was a cocktail reception for about 150 guests. Members had the opportunity to get acquainted with more of the Guyana membership and some GDF officers.

On Wednesday 16^th, President I.C. Fraser, XGDF Member Rawlda Fraser (his daughter, who is a physical therapist), and XGDF Guyana Vice President Arno Solomon, went on a tour of the GDF Medical Center at Camp Ayanganna. Possibilities of future collaboration for the benefit of the Center were explored.

Thursday 17^th was a day of relaxation at the Splashmins Resort in the Timehri area. Members and friends basked in the sun. Some swam or sailed around the Madewini creek. It was a healthy tropical experience.

Friday 18^th was the highlight Fundraising Dance at the Local Government Officers Union Hall on Woolford Avenue. Needless to say the turnout was great. The reunion of veterans continued! GDF Frontline dished out the rhythms. It was fun. It was memorable.

On Sunday 20^th, a convoy of visitors and some XGDF Guyana executives journeyed to Berbice. The members crossed and viewed the new Berbice Bridge. They met with, and were entertained, by about 55 members of the Berbice Chapter which included veterans from New Amsterdam, Belladrum and Corentyne. These included some disabled (amputee included) who came out to meet the group in New Amsterdam, at a “liming spot” located on the old Stelling road. After a few hours, the party returned to the other bank of the river at Rosignol and visited the business place of an XGDF Guyana Member, on the now infrequently traveled Rosignol Stelling.

Monday 21^st was a highlight day for the Guyana Visit. The President, Vice-President, Financial Secretary and a few other members visited some sick veterans at their homes and at the Palms. XGDF Guyana’s most enthusiastic welfare rep Beverly “Thriller”Sommerset led the visitors on her frequently traveled visiting route. First stop was at Vergenoegen on the West Bank of Demerara. There, cheer was given to former Warrant Officer and Squadron Jumpmaster Walcott. His squaddie Financial Secretary Winston Smith assured him of “adoptive support”.  Next stop was the Palms. Female veterans Sansculotte and others were overjoyed to see the group. They received cheer also. Another stop was Buxton backdam. Former S/Sgt Morrow Edwards (6 Company and Support Weapons) did not want the group to leave. Tears were shed on this leg of the visit….more than on any other….openly and also quietly.

On Tuesday 22^nd the tour visited Demerara Distilleries Ltd. The Production Manager, Mr. George Robinson, extended a special welcome. The El Dorado brands were aggressively sampled by the group.

The finale was a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff GDF, Commodore Gary Best, on Thursday 24^th September. The presidents of New York and Guyana, and VP New York were well received by the Commodore. President I.C Fraser presented him with a commemorative token.   

The visit to Guyana was very informative and humbling. The President, Executive and Members are now in a better position to appreciate the tribulations of fellow veterans in Guyana and to identify areas where help is most urgently needed. In that respect, the mission was accomplished. We can now move on to developing more appropriate ways and means of working effectively with XGDF Guyana, an organization which has done so much, with so little, in less than eighteen months.

 

The President, Executive and Members of XGDF New York deeply appreciate the efforts of XGDF Guyana which made the visit a huge success.

 

                                           Selected photos of the visit have been posted below.