SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
XGDF of NEW YORK 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
JUNE 5, 2011 - JUNE 12, 2011
From: President Johnny Glasgow
INTRODUCTION:
The XGDF Association of New York celebrated its 25th Anniversary over the period June 5th - June 12, 2011. Overall, the celebration was a huge success as our guests and our members participated fully and expressed satisfaction of what was done.
The President, Executive and members of the XGDF NY wish to thank all for sharing in this most memorable occasion. Twenty-five years as a voluntary organization is a remarkable achievement. Getting there was not easy, but got there we have. We thank all who helped us along the way and trust that this first 25 years will serve as the building block for many, many more.
Below is an outline of the celebration as it unfolded day-by-day.
DAY ONE Guyana Delegation arrives.
The celebration commenced with the arrival on Friday 3rd June of a contingent representing the XGDF Association of Guyana. The party was headed by President George Gomes and included Stan Canzius, Beverly Somerset, Arno Solomon, Shirley Jobe-Jeffrey, Mike Scott, Annette Adonis, Thomas Lovell, Gerald Younge, and Carroll Haynes. The party was greeted at JFK Int. Airport by a group of XGDF NY members headed by its President, who transported the visitors to our Queens NY premises where they partook of a welcoming dinner hosted by members Simon and Sandra Thomas.
DAY TWO Church Service; Sunday 5th June.
Please read separate entry posted on 7th June [See pictures], [Read Article]
DAY THREE Dinner & Karaoke.
On Monday 6th, our guests and members were hosted at an open dinner night of the XGDF Dinner Club (Curry Club). Its President Ed Prince, and members Cheryl Tappin & Sandra Fraser-Thomas ensured that after a sumptuous dinner members and guests were afforded the opportunity to display some previously undisclosed talent at Karaoke. Among those giving new versions of some very old songs were Hartley Liverpool, George Gomes, Baldy Gordon and Banana King.
Ed Prince, President of the dinner club was presented with an award of appreciation by the XGDF of New York. [See Pictures]
DAY FOUR Games Night.
The celebration continued with indoor games on Tuesday 7th June. There was fierce competition at draft, dominoes, chess, table tennis, cards and darts. All the old skills and all the old tricks were again on display and a great time was had by all. [See Pictures]
DAY FIVE Health Fair.
This event, held on Wednesday 8th June, was intended as a community service and was coordinated by members Percy Felix and Cheryl Tappin. This event was a resounding success. Members of the community along with our members and guests were attended by doctors and nurses from the Jamaica Hospital who screened for blood pressure, blood sugar, etc. In addition, there were lecturers, informative pamphlets, displays and presentations on nutrition and smoking cessation. The New York Fire Department was also on hand and distributed smoke detectors to all attendees. [See Pictures]
DAY SIX Delegates Conference, Thursday 9th June.
This event was aimed at taking an in-depth look at the ex-GDF family and at seeking ideas for growth and development as a group, whilst still maintaining the individuality of each independent organization.
This event was organized by the President of XGDF NY supported by his entire executive as well as by Past President Patrick Stephens and Past Vice Presidents Neville Layne, Irvin McGarrell, Leonard McLean and Veronica Primo Rollins.
Representing XGDF of Canada was the President Gordon Winter and Executive member Ingrid King.
Representing XGDF of Los Angeles was the President Perry Foo and Executive member Randolph Johnson.
Representing XGDF of Guyana were the President George Gomes, and Executive members Arno Solomon, Bev Somerset and Stan Canzius.
In a stirring presentation, head of the Guyana Delegation, George Gomes, outlined the plight of ex-soldiers in Guyana and urged that serious thought be given at ideas to improve their lot.
Closing presentations by various delegates gave much food for thought. Agreements reached and plans for future collaboration between our organizations are to be presented to our various memberships for discussion, modification and ratification. All agreed that follow-up and close collaboration must continue.
After the meeting, attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner, hosted by President Johnny and Mrs. Lorraine Glasgow of New York. [See Pictures]
DAY SEVEN Cocktail Reception.
A cocktail reception was arranged for our guests, and all members and supporters on the evening of Friday June 10th. During the reception, honorary membership for exemplary leadership and commitment to the ex-GDF family was conferred on Mr. George Gomes, President of the XGDF Association of Guyana; Mr. Perry Foo, President of the GDF Veterans Association of Los Angeles, Mr. Fabian Liverpool and Mr. Errol Lewis. A special presentation was also made to Ms. Beverly Somerset by President and Mrs. Glasgow in recognition of her humanitarian work with the shut-ins of XGDF of Guyana. A proclamation congratulating XGDF of New York for our effort at improving the community was presented by Mr. Shawn Jones on behalf of Assembly Woman, Michelle Titus, our district representative in the State Assembly.
Members of the Executive of XGDF of New York and the service committees were also presented with certificates of appreciation by President Johnny Glasgow. [See Pictures]
DAY EIGHT Anniversary Ball.
The Anniversary Ball was held at Glen Terrace in Brooklyn on Saturday 11th June. The visiting delegations from Canada, Guyana, Los Angeles and Atlanta each exchanged plaques commemorating its 25th anniversary with the XGDF of New York; in response, the President of the XGDF NY thanked all for appreciating the significance of the anniversary and for taking the time to celebrate with us.
A proclamation highlighting the achievements of the XGDF of New York and the meaningful role it plays in the welfare and well being of its members and the community at large was also presented to the organization by Honorary Member Mr. Linden Williams, Vice-chair of the Board of Legislators of Westchester County NY. [See Pictures]
LAST DAY “Wash Down”
In true GDF soldier style, the celebrations ended with a blast on Sunday June 12th. There was lots of food and lots to drink, all kindly donated by Member Winston Smith and his family. It was wall-to-wall old soldiers reminiscing about the "good old days". It was a party to remember. [See Pictures]