Consulate General of Guyana Newsletter

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JULY 2017

GUYANA CONSULATE

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO OUR INAUGURAL NEWSLETTER Welcome to the launch of the first issue of our biannual newsletter! As part of our awareness and businessfriendly programs, this inaugural edition gives us a strong sense of collaboration and, commitment to service.

The newsletter is specifically designed to provide members of our Diaspora with relevant information on the roles and functions of the Consulate as well as to keep them informed of developments in Guyana and here in the Guyanese community.

This newsletter also gives some insights into the immediate and long term goals of the Consulate, aimed at providing increased 21st century professional and technological services to the members of the Diaspora.

With each passing year and with ensuing policy changes, there have been modifications with regards to the services provided by the Consulate. The information contained herein addresses some of the frequently asked questions

by Guyanese in our community especially our senior citizens.

We welcome your sharing and circulating widely among our international community and friends of Guyana. Also, we welcome your constructive feedback and comments for improvement.

We thank all who contributed generously, your time and talents to launch this first issue of the Guyana Consulate Newsletter. 

WHAT’S COMING UP!  NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSULAR SERVICES (see page 3)

...............  COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM NEW JERSEY August 2017 SCHENECTADY October 2017

...............  TOWNHALL MEETNG BROOKLYN September 2017  NEW MOBILE APP

Launch of our NEW website www.guyanaconsulatenewyork.org

Deputy Consul General, Jacquelyn Hamer & Aquafie Munroe... Another great example of collaboration at its best!

MAKING BUSINESS EASIER... in the NEW Information Age! Editors: Jacquelyn Hamer, Deputy Consul General Bernadette Cole Slaughter, PhD Graphic Designer: Deborrah McDowell-Davis

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ver the past year, the Consulate introduced a series of measures to provide a more efficient service. These include:

• Payment by Debit/Credit card • Installation of individual window intercoms for counter staff to ensure privacy and confidentiality of information provided • An automated phone system that provides basic information on the services offered by the Consulate through a series of prompts • An interactive website that not only provides guidelines on accessing our services but also updates on developments occurring in Guyana and within the Diaspora While feedback has indicated that these measures have proven to be quite successful and welcomed, the Consulate will be instituting, in the ensuing months, additional procedures to further enhance its capacity to deliver the type of service expected in the new ‘Information Age’. These include: • A ticket system to facilitate the serving of customers on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

• Continuous staff training in customer service 

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A. CONSULAR MATTERS  New Arrangements for Consular Services 1. In person Applications for passports will be processed ONLY on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am — 3:00 pm effective from 1st September 2017.

2. Consulate Saturdays – all services, except visas, will be offered on 2nd Saturday in every quarter from 10:00 am — 2:00 pm at the Guyana Consulate, New York on the following days: • September 16, 2017 • December 16, 2017

 UNCLAIMED PASSPORTS

3. Passport applications by mail

AND BIRTH/MARRIAGE/DEATH CERTIFICATES

1. Holders of Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) [blue passports] are encouraged to submit their applications and uplift their new passports by using a recognized mailing service that facilitates tracking (for example FedEx, USPS, UPS).

2. Applicants can download the application form and submit along with the current passport, a copy of its bio data page, two (2) recent photographs, relevant supporting document/s if there is any name change, a money order payable to ‘Guyana Consulate General New York’ and prepaid return mailing envelope.

Please Note: Alternatively applicants may opt to include an additional payment of $10 to facilitate return postage.

1. In order to avoid processing delays, applicants must complete all relevant sections on the application form, including an email address if any and affix their signatures in the two (2) places provided on Pages 2 and 3.

2. Applicants with access to the internet will be assigned a receipt number to facilitate checking of the passport status on the Consulate’s website.

3. On receipt of the new passport from Georgetown, the expired passport will be cancelled and returned with the new passport and receipt.

In order to dispense with the huge number of uncollected Passports and Birth/Marriage/ Death Certificates on hand, all persons who have not uplifted their documents between 2010 and April 2017 MUST uplift them by September 30, 2017. Failure to do so will result in them being returned to Georgetown. AFTER THIS DATE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT APPLICANTS WILL BE ABLE TO UPLIFT THEIR DOCUMENTS FROM THE CONSULATE. Please note that Birth Certificate applications for which no trace of the information provided could be found, were not processed and would therefore be unavailable for collection. In such cases, applicants will be notified.

4. Birth/Marriage/Death Certificate applications by mail a. Application forms for Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates can be downloaded from the Consulate’s website or obtained from the Consulate. Every effort must be made to ensure that the form is completed and correct information supplied so as to prevent processing delays. b. In order to ensure that Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates are delivered promptly and are not left uncollected at the Consulate, applicants will be charged an additional fee of $10 for postage by FedEx to the address indicated on the application form. This fee must be paid at the time of application. 

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 General passport information a. Persons who possess expired passports or whose passports have less than six (6) months validity for international travel are required to apply for a new passport. b. Passports are valid for five (5) years and are NOT renewable. c.

Processing of regular passports takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks; replacing lost and damaged passports takes 2-3 months.

d. Applicants can check the status of their passport processing on the Consulate’s website. e. Parents/guardians of children under 16 years of age MUST comply with instructions on Page 1 of the application form. Absence of the required notarized affidavit from the absent parent will delay the processing of the application.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS FOR UPLIFTING PASSPORTS IN ADDITION TO THE MAIL-IN SYSTEM: 1. Collection by a Third party requires: (a) a current passport, (b) an authorization form which must be notarized (forms can be downloaded from our website www.guyanaconsulatenewyork.org), (c) the receipt that was issued at the time of payment and (d) a valid photo id.

2. Collection in person requires the expired passport and the receipt that was issued at the time of payment.

The mail in system does not apply to holders of ‘old green passports’. These applicants must appear in person with relevant documentation which includes original Birth Certificate, Deed Poll and any other relevant supporting documents. Check website for details.

It is the responsibility of passport holders to ensure that they possess a valid passport with at least six (6) months validity for international travel. This requirement should be observed before finalizing plans for such travel.

 Emergency Certificates

• An emergency situation requires your presence in Guyana.

• Your current passport has or is about to be expired.

• An application has been submitted for a new passport.

Documents Required: • Proof of Guyanese citizenship • Valid photo ID • One (1) recent photograph • Printed travel itinerary

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Travelers are reminded that the Emergency Certificate is not accepted by all airlines for the return journey to USA. It is therefore advisable to seek confirmation before the ticket is purchased.

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Emergency Certificates will be issued for direct travel to and from Guyana ONLY based on the following conditions:

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B. MEET YOUR CONSUL GENERAL Barbara Atherly was appointed Guyana’s Consul General in New York on August 2, 2016.

Prior to her appointment, she worked as an International Public Servant with the United Nations Children’s Fund for twenty (20) years.

Barbara began her long standing career in UNICEF when she joined the Guyana office in 1996 as a national officer in the education section. As a national officer (1996 – 2002) she pioneered the Escuela Nueva (EN) initiative.

BARBARA ATHERLY CONSUL GENERAL

 Notarization of documents The following information was provided by the Deeds Registry to assist persons in the preparation and registration of legal documents: a. All legal documents must be prepared on legal size paper and typed in double line spacing with 2’’ margin on the left side. b. The documents must be signed by Appearer in the presence of the Consulate Officer c. In cases where there is insufficient space to place signatures, witnesses, stamp and seal at the bottom of a legal document (for example, Power of Attorney), these can be placed on a separate page but preferably not with the signatures only, as this can easily be detached and placed on another document, without the knowledge of the parties involved. A paragraph can be typed on the same page, with provision made for the signatures, witnesses, stamp and seal to be affixed.

Apart from her education practice, Barbara has contributed significantly at the community level. She was a member of the Guyana Hospital Management Committee and provided over 21 years of service with Lions International in various capacities including that of Past President and Treasurer; Barbara served on various church boards of the Anglican Dioceses in Guyana and Mozambique.

d. It is desirable that documents that consist of several pages be printed on separate pages. e. Powers of Attorney are the only documents that require an Affidavit of Subscribing Witnesses. f. If there is a typographical error on a document, (for example a misspelt name), the initials of the Appearer and the officer performing the functions of Notary must be affixed. This will confirm that both parties are cognizant of the changes. g. Legal documents such as Agreements of Sale, Deed Polls that are notarized by a Notary Public need not be presented to the Consulate for any further action once it is accompanied by an Affidavit of Subscribing Witnesses.

NB: Legal documents that have been notarized must be registered at the Deeds Registry before they become effective.

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C. DIASPORA RELATIONS Please note our new website is:

www.guyanaconsulatenewyork

.org PLEASE VISIT OUR

NEW

WEBSITE

www.guyanaconsulatenewyork. com

www.guyanaconsulatenewyork. org ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING COMMUNICATION LINKS WITH OUR COMMUNITY Our modern user-friendly website is designed to showcase the services and activities of the Consulate and to keep you abreast of developments taking place in our community and in Guyana.

The Consulate therefore wishes to extend an invitation to all individuals and groups to take the time to browse our site and share with us any areas which you would like to see included.

The Consulate also wishes to invite you register on the website and, in so doing, indicate whether you would wish to receive our newsletters.  

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D. FEES Our Services

fees

PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR NEW PASSPORTS

$100

PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR LOST OR MUTILATED PASSPORTS

$175

FINGERPRINTS

$20

PROCESSING OF EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS*

$20*

PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR BIRTH / MARRIAGE /DEATH CERTIFICATES

$10

REGISTRATION OF OVERSEAS BIRTHS

$20

NOTARIZATION OF POWERS OF ATTORNEY*

$10*

NOTARIZATION OF OTHER LEGAL DOCUMENTS (Bank Documents/Authorization/Passport Bio Data Page)

$10

NOTARIZATION OF LIFE CERTIFICATES

FREE

PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR RENUNCIATION OF CITIZENSHIP

$50

PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF CITIZENSHIP

$100

AUTHENTICATION OF CERTIFICATES (APOSTILES)

$20

* Denotes express services, additional $10

passport photo fees PASSPORT PHOTO AVAILABLE: 2 PHOTOS = $10 / 4 PHOTOS: $15

payment of fees FOR THOSE SERVICES THAT REQUIRE A FEE: DEBIT / CREDIT CARDS, MONEY ORDERS & CASH ARE ACCEPTED.

E. 2017 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE NEW YEAR’S DAY (GUYANA/USA)

Sunday, January 1, 2017

BIRTHDAY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (USA)

Monday, January 16, 2017

REPUBLIC DAY MASHRAMANI (GUYANA)

Thursday, February 23, 2017

PHAGWAH (GUYANA)

Sunday, March 12, 2017

GOOD FRIDAY (GUYANA)

Friday, April 14, 2017

EASTER MONDAY (GUYANA)

Monday, April 17, 2017

INDEPENDENCE DAY (GUYANA)

Friday, May 26, 2017

MEMORIAL DAY (USA)

Monday, May 29, 2017

INDEPENDENCE DAY (USA)

Monday, July 4, 2017

EMANCIPATION DAY (GUYANA)

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

LABOUR DAY (USA)

Monday, September 4, 2017

THANKSGIVING DAY (USA)

Thursday, November 23, 2017

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY (USA)

Friday, November 24, 2017

YOUMAN NABI (GUYANA)

Thursday, November 30, 2017

CHRISTMAS DAY (GUYANA/USA)

Monday, December 25, 2017

BOXING DAY (GUYANA)

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017

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CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2016

CELEBRATING GUYANA’S 47TH REPUBLIC ANNIVERSARY

FIRST TRAINING SESSION IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

CONSUL GENERAL AT PHAGWAH PARADE 2017

“COMMITTED TO PROVIDING

FIRST COMMUNITY OUTREACH, SCHENECTADY

FIRST COMMUNITY OUTREACH, NEW JERSEY

TOWNHALL MEETING, NEW JERSEY

TOWNHALL MEETING, BROOKLYN

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FIRST COMMUNITY OUTREACH, QUEENS

Consulting...

Consul & Deputy Consul General

SECOND COMMUNITY OUTREACH, QUEENS

Relaxing at the home of Council Member John Mootooveren after the Community Outreach in Schenectady, March 2017.

PROFESSIONAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH MARCH 2017, SCHENECTADY

TOWNHALL MEETING, QUEENS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH, BRONX

ARNOLD ARNAJALLUM & HIS ASSISTANTS “THE FOLKS WHO MADE IT HAPPEN AT THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH, CONNECTICUT”

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F. OF INTEREST TO OUR SENIORS

National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Old Age Benefit is payable to Insured Persons who have attained the age of sixty- (60) years. The Benefit can be in the form of a Periodical Payment (Pension) or a Grant (lump-sum).

• To qualify for an Old Age Grant, the Insured Person must have: • Paid not less than fifty (50) Contributions.

• Attained the age of sixty (60) years

QUALIFYING CONDITIONS

• An Old Age Pension is paid to the Insured Person, for as long as he / she is alive.

• To qualify for an Old Age Pension, the Insured Person must have:

• An Old Age Grant is a single payment.

• Paid not less than one hundred and fifty (150) Contributions.

• Paid or been credited with not less than seven hundred and fifty (750) Contributions.

• The following claims can be made by eligible survivors of deceased pensioners • Funeral grant • Survivor’s benefit • Undrawn benefit

• Attained the age of sixty (60) years.

In response to numerous queries by pensioners, the following information was provided by NIS. 1. For pensioners who reside out of New York, a Life Certificate signed by a Notary Public would suffice. The stamp and seal of the Notary Public must be affixed. Inked insertions on the stamp would not be accepted.

4. If an application for pension is made one year after the 60th birthday of the applicant, reasons for the late submission must be stated on Page 3 of Form OAB 1

2. For first time pension applicants, applications for survivors’ benefits and all other services, the applicant must appear in person at the closest overseas mission or at NIS headquarters in Georgetown.

5. For pensioners who are incapacitated at home, in Nursing Homes and hospitals and affix their thumb prints before a Notary Public, the signature of the Notary Public would suffice as a witness.

However, the stamp and seal of the Notary Public should be affixed.

3. Pensioners who have not submitted a Life Certificate in more than three (3) years, must submit an accompanying letter stating reasons for the late submission.

DR. MOSES JOSIAH began his musical career at the age of 17 in Guyana, South America. He was self taught after reading an article in an American Magazine which described how to play the musical saw. He mastered not only the notes of the scales, but also simple tunes as “Home Sweet Home” and “Amazing Grace”, etc.

Moses performed with his musical saw on the Ted Mack show in 1961 and 1970 in NYC. He was the first Guyanese musician to represent Guyana on National TV in the United States of America, March 5, 1961. Moses won first prize at the Guyana Music Moses Josiah can be viewed on the internet on www.trinitywallstreet.org/music-arts.

Festival in 1967 and also performed Email: MJosiah12@yahoo.com. for the Queen of England. He travelled extensively to Europe, North America, South America and the Caribbean entertaining diverse audiences. Moses is a recipient of many awards including an Honorary Doctorate which was presented through the International Theological Seminary of California. Moses thanks God for his gift of this musical saw ministry as he travels and continues to be a blessing to many souls.

ARTS & MUSIC ARTS & MUSIC

CARL ANDERSON, known for his abstracted ‘Ribbon Series’ and photo-realist portraits, was allowed into Guyana’s Burroughs School of Art when only fourteen. Still a teenager, he then left for Window to the Caribbean, an oil on canvas, depicts a wide cross section of the region’s cultural Venezuela—one of the rare heritage and diversity through peoples, festivals, wooden buildings, flora and fauna.

Guyana artists who turned to Latin America for professional For more of Carl’s work please visit: https://www.facebook.com/carl.f.anderson.5 development rather than Europe or the USA. For thirteen years he refined techniques and concepts influenced by masters such as Rafael Soto. Anderson won 1st prize at the 4th International Art Biennial of Malta, and the Diploma di merito at the International Grolla d’ Oro, Italy. Currently resident in United States of America, his paintings are collected worldwide, including Guyana’s National Art Gallery.

DID YOU KNOW THAT

1. Guyanese who acquire United States citizenship do not automatically lose their Guyanese citizenship? Loss of Guyanese citizenship is obtained through a process of renunciation.

6. A detained person who is a citizen of the United States and another country (dual citizenship) may be treated exclusively as a US citizen when in the United States? In this case, consular notification is not required.

2. Children who are born overseas after May 26, 1966 to Guyanese parents are eligible for Guyanese citizenship?

7. If you are being deported and you need to make arrangements for the handling of your assets, dues or other benefits, you have the right to be given the opportunity to appoint a Power of Attorney in order to process these matters on your behalf? The Case Manager would normally facilitate these arrangements

3. Undocumented Guyanese are eligible to apply for a Guyana passport?

4. Arrested or detained Guyanese (including undocumented nationals) are entitled to consular notification and access?

5. For purposes of consular notification, a “foreign national’ is any person who is not a US citizen and that this includes holders of a ‘green card”?

8. The Guyana Consulate represents and promotes ONLY the interests of the Government of Guyana and its overseas nationals?

LOST AND FOUND Lost items such as Guyana Passports, Guyana Id Cards and GREEN CARDS belonging to Guyanese were found and delivered to the Consulate. For inquiries regarding lost property, please contact the Guyana Consulate.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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The Guyana Consulate wishes to express its deep gratitude to all those individuals and groups who contributed to the success of its events.

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CONSULATE ADDRESS

PHONE NUMBERS

308 West 38th Street New York, NY 10018

Receptionist

(212) 947-5110 Option 1

General Info

(212) 947-5110 Option 3

Phone: (212) 947-5110 Fax: (646) 915-0237

Registry & Passports

(212) 947-5110 Option 1

Accounts Department

(212) 947-5110 Option 4

Tourism & Investments

(212) 947-5110 Option 5

Website: www.guyanaconsulatenewyork.org E-Mail: cgny@guyanaconsulatenewyork.org