Indian nationals rally round Guyana’s Haiti relief drive

by Shirley Thomas

-boost fund by $100,000
A section of the gathering at the dinner and dance at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday evening (Photos by Adrian Narine)GUYANA’S Relief Fund for the people of earthquake-ravaged Haiti was yesterday given a further boost with a donation of G$100,000 by the Women’s Club of the Indian Cultural Centre in Georgetown.

This goodwill gesture was played out last evening during the Club’s 30th anniversary Dinner and Dance held at the Grand Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel.

The function was also part of the Club’s way of ushering in activities for International Women’s Day to be observed tomorrow.

A cheque for the amount donated was handed over to Chairperson of the Guyana Relief Fund for Haiti, Hon. Priya Manickchand-Murli by the oldest serving Club member, Mrs. Raati Persaud, with accompanying sentiments offered by the Club’s President, Mrs. Malti Sahai.

Secretary for the Women’s Club of the Indian Cultural Centre, Mrs. Babs Ramotar, delighted to be associated with the initiative, said that the money donated was acquired through a number of fundraising drives, such as a Phagwah box cake sale organized by the Club.

Meanwhile, an elated Minister Manickchand expressed gratitude to the donors, noting that she was extremely pleased and very impressed with the very many innovative ways in which persons have been using their talents to raise money to help other human beings in need.

Underscoring Guyana’s commitment to rallying around the suffering people of Haiti, Mr. Manickchand, on a very reassuring note and to appreciative applauds, stated that the  Government and people of Guyana have made it clear that they will stand by our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Mrs. Manickchand also congratulated the Women’s Club of the Indian Cultural Centre for the fine work they do, and expressed every good wish as they embark on their celebration of International Women’s Year.

Among the large gathering of distinguished patrons witnessing the presentation and choicely entertained by musicians and Indian dancers were:  Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of Government and representatives of the private sector and civil society.

The devastating 7.0 earthquake which hit Haiti on January 12, along with aftershocks, left more than 200,000 dead and  millions more  displaced and without basic necessities such as food and water,  health care and shelter.

A section of the gathering at the dinner and dance at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday evening (Photos by Adrian Narine)
Through a flood of goodwill gestures from around the globe, life for the people of Haiti has slowly been getting back together.

 

 

Source: Guyana chronicle