The Embassy of Guyana in Washington DC will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Guyanese Diaspora Global Network (UGDGN). This was disclosed by His Excellency, Dr Riyad Insanally, as he addressed a diverse audience of Guyanese attending a launch and Fundraiser Dinner in Queens, New York.
Ambassador Insanally, who was the keynote speaker at the fundraising event, also restated his commitment to support UGDGN. He asserted that since his arrival in Washington, he wanted to see a more structured and systematic approach to diaspora engagement. The Ambassador pointed out that the existing process to engage the diaspora is ad hoc and chaotic and emphasised the need for better policies and better systems for engaging the diaspora. The Ambassador said, “UGDGN offers many possibilities for more structured engagement through the Embassy of Guyana and the Government of Guyana.”
It was also revealed that UGDGN is close to signing an MoU with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Already there are existing MoUs between UGDGN and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as well as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Mr Wayne Forde, President of UGDGN, indicated that these are exciting times for Guyana and the diaspora for Building Bridges to a Brighter Future for Guyana.
Also attending the event were Guyana’s Consul General, Honourable Barbara Atherly; Cheddi Jagan Jr.; Bianca Forde Esq.; and Congresswoman, Honourable Yvette Clarke who also addressed attendees and presented Mr Wayne Forde with a Congressional Proclamation to commemorate the event.
As the congressional representative of a largely Caribbean Diaspora constituency, the Congresswoman represents the 109 Congressional district of New York (Brooklyn) and is also the Co-Chair of the Caribbean Caucus in the House of Representatives.
The Congresswoman thanked Mr Forde for his vision and noble mission in forming the Guyanese Diaspora “umbrella organisation” and expressed her pride in the launching of UGDGN and confidence in its success.
As one of its initial, signature projects, UGDGN will donate 500 backpacks and supplies to elementary school children at Patentia Primary School on the West Bank of Demerara and Hague Primary school on the West Coast of Demerara.
In addition, UGDGN plans to host the first Guyanese Diaspora Youth Leadership conference in New York in 2020 and is seeking second-generation Guyanese from the diaspora to participate in the planning committee.
