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Writer's pictureGUYDA

GUYDA's 20th Anniversary Gala: A Night to Remember

Leonard’s Palazzo, Great Neck, New York – November 9th, 2024



GUYDA Members at the 20th Anniversary Gala
GUYDA Members 2024


The Guyana United Youth Development Association, Inc. (GUYDA) hosted its 20th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, New York.  GUYDA members, supporters, and esteemed guests filled the ballroom to capacity in support of GUYDA’s mission.


The event commenced with a cocktail hour filled with appealing appetizers as guests were serenaded with the sounds of the saxophone and steel pan played by Tyler Cohen & Tyrone Benjamin.


Mr. Mark Anthony Hamilton, Master of Ceremonies, ensured the smooth flow of the evening’s ceremony after being introduced by Ms. Candace Greaves.  Mr. Jewell Stewart, J.D. set the tone for the night with the invocation.


The booming, baritone voice of Mr. Anthony Alleyne touched the core of our souls with his renditions of the National Anthems of Guyana and the USA.

Mr. Leslie Stewart, the President of GUYDA, updated us on GUYDA’s mission and some of the initiatives in Guyana.


Ms. Keisha Raghoo & Ms. Rhonda Walker presented awards to our special honorees on this 20th Anniversary.  The honorees were: Dr. Cheryl Ault-Barker, Educator; Rev. Richard King, Pastor (Charity, Guyana) and Dr. Rosalind “Rose” October, Social Worker.  An award was presented posthumously to Ms. Claire Ann Goring, artist & playwright. 


Mr. Carl Osborne, GUYDA’s Public Relations Officer, made a special presentation to the founding members of GUYDA: Mr. Leslie Stewart, Ms. Beryl James, Dr. Sherry Hamilton, Dr. Joan Joseph, Mr. John Callender, Mr. Keith Jonas, Ms. Minette Melville, Ms. Hazel Glenn, Mr. Carlyle Harry, Dr. Michael Pellew, Ms. Mavis Atkinson, Ms Carmen Jerrick, and Ms. Meighan Waddell.


Nikita Edwards, Esq. closed the ceremony with a heartfelt toast to the honorees and extended thanks and appreciation on behalf of GUYDA to all in attendance.

Guests danced the night away with music by DJ Flexx and Super Terry, One-Man Band.  This spectacular evening also featured raffle prize drawings, creating lasting memories and a sense of unity among all attendees. The gala exceeded expectations, successfully celebrating GUYDA’s accomplishments and leaving a positive and lasting impression on all attendees.


GUYDA expresses its heartfelt appreciation to all who attended, supported, and contributed to the success of the 20th Anniversary Gala. Special thanks to Mayor Eric Adams for the Citation from the Office of the Mayor that was presented to GUYDA. The proceeds from this event will contribute to fulfilling GUYDA's mission to provide opportunities to support the youth in Guyana and in the United States of America.


To view the online gala journal with sponsors and best wishes, please visit https://www.guyda.org/gala-journal.


For more information about GUYDA, upcoming events, or to get involved in their impactful initiatives, please visit www.guyda.org/gala.


Click on the link for a snapshot of the event:

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