Issuu

W YO R K, US

guyana consulate

newsletter JULY 2017

December, 2018

LATE GE NSU NE RA CO

OF GUYAN A LIC UB EP

E COOPERATIV TH ER OF

ISSUE 3

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CONTENTS 1. Welcoming Remarks 2. A Woman of and for Guyana 3. The Young Guyanese Professionals Alliance Launch 4. Living with Intention 5. International Day at Merrick Academy 6.

Dasrat Brothers

7. The Harte Sisters 8. A Second-Generation Guyanese in Tech 9. Centenarians – Longevity is in the Genes 10. Consular Matters 11. Recognizing Our Seniors 12. The Guyana and Venezuela Border Controversy 13. Adoption Process In Guyana

welcoming remarks

elcome to the third edition of our newsletter. The Consulate General is here to serve and connect with the Guyanese Diaspora through active participation in events hosted within the community and our various outreach activities. Excitingly, the Consulate has expanded its reach to social media, with the launch of an interactive Facebook page. Apart from highlighting the Consulate’s involvement in community activities and events, this edition offers updates about our services, specifically providing in-depth information concerning the National Insurance Scheme and Guyana’s adoption process. The Consulate continues in its efforts to be the capable representative for the people of Guyana as it endeavors to establish a home away from home, through the improvement of services provided. The response to Outreach programs and Consulate Saturdays has been encouraging and it is hoped that these initiatives would expand as we move forward. Stay tuned for details regarding future projects and improvements, as your feedback and comments are welcomed. 

A. PROFILES A Woman of and for Guyana - Yvonne Harewood-Benn! passion in high school, she graduated with degrees in French and Geography, and returned to Guyana to resume teaching at her former high school. Hewing to the trajectory of her commitment to education, Mrs. Harewood-Benn left teaching and assumed an administrative role as the Headmistress of the Watooka Day School in Linden, the bauxite mining town on the Upper Demerara River. Among her many accomplishments at the school, in partnership with the teaching staff and parents, she introduced several initiatives and still experiences pride whenever she sees the students in uniform, which was done with the parents participating in a competition. And, reminiscent of her life in the agricultural and industrial communities at Skeldon, Mrs. Harewood-Benn encouraged the students at the school to embrace agriculture, a new subject area, which created awareness of the possibilities in farming, husbandry and communal sharing.

A notable Guyanese woman who thrived and excelled in a male dominated world is Yvonne Veronica Harewood-Benn. She is a retired public servant who served her country with distinction as a teacher, and a diplomat, and as Minister of Information, Education and Public Service. She was born to Barbadian parents, Gabriel and Eva Harewood, who migrated to Guyana from Barbados for a better life working as laborers on the Skeldon Sugar Estate in the Corentyne, Berbice. As a laborer, Mrs. Harewood-Benn’s father was not a wealthy man, but by “the sweat of his brow” he was able to provide for his family, ensuring they had a decent life. Coming from a hardworking family, she never considered herself to be poor. Mrs. Harewood-Benn was the first student in her community to earn a Berbice County Scholarship to attend the, then, prestigious girl’s school, Bishop’s High School. Many families in her village contributed to her education. Studying in high school, she achieved qualifications in French, English, and Mathematics. Recognizing the importance and impact teachers had on her education, Mrs. Harewood-Benn decided to commit herself to ensuring that other students could also have that experience, as she said, “only the educated are truly free”; she eventually became a teacher. In 1964, two years before gaining Independence from Great Britain, Ms. Harewood-Benn left Guyana to attend the University of London in England, where, following her

It was in the position as Headmistress that she was offered an opportunity as the Regional Chairman, the equivalent of a Regional Minister – for the newly created Administrative Regional system – for Region Number 10. She accepted the position until 1978, when the late President Linden Forbes Burnham offered her the position as the first female Consul General to New York. Recognizing that the responsibilities as Consul General would be challenging, she realized that she could be pivotal in changing Guyana’s image abroad. As the Consul General, Mrs. Harewood-Benn organized a series of “cottage meetings” in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut where Guyanese settled), where she met many Guyaneseoriented groups, had discussions on events taking place in the home country, and provided information on developments. Mrs. Harewood-Benn was the serving Consul General, the official Guyanese representative in New York to the world and overseas-based Guyanese, in the aftermath of the Jonestown murder suicide, and also with Vincent Teekah and Dr. Walter Rodney deaths. She attributes her ability to navigate those days to the assistance she received from Consulate staff, including Cosmo Hamilton, Patrick Denny, Wendy Rudder and Kit Nascimento. Among her many awards and accolades, in recognition of her service, she was awarded Guyana’s highest civilian honor, the Cacique Crown of Honor.

Therefore with immediate support and much enthusiasm, a great partnership for the launch was created. The Consul General gave the approval for use of the Consulate space and sponsored food and beverages for the launch. Ms. Noel and Ms. Aaron utilized several social media platforms and used the connections to garner Guyanese youth in various industries across the tri-state area, to sensitize the public of the launch. The Consulate circulated the invite within Guyanese cultural and entertainment groups to encouraging young people to attend. The use of printed flyers, social media and phone calls were made to businesses in both Queens and Brooklyn. The outreach efforts were extremely successful as approximately one hundred guests were in attendance. Many commented on the great need for something of that nature and were eager to get involved instantly. Our culture was in focus, with Guyanese food and drinks on the menu and the DJ, who had the attendees rocking with popular folk songs throughout the evening. The Consul General introduced Ms. Roberts-Hodges and Ms. Croft-Farnell along with the younger staff from the Consulate who gave an outline of the services offered with a PowerPoint presentation.

RKHTY and Melissa Noel Picture courtesy of Melissa Noel

THE YOUNG GUYANESE PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE LAUNCH By Melissa Noel

The Young Guyanese Professionals Alliance (YGPA) was officially launched on May 22, 2018 at the Guyana Consulate in New York City. This Alliance, co-founded by Melissa Noel and RKHTY, was established to cultivate meaningful connections among Guyanese between the ages of twentyone and forty. Through the first initiative fittingly called “The Connect”, YGPA hosted a networking event in partnership with the Guyana Consulate. Part of the mission of YGPA is to provide networking, volunteer leadership and development opportunities for young Guyanese professionals. The Young Guyanese Professional Alliance will also serve as a hub for information and a support network to celebrate and showcase the outstanding Guyanese young professionals in New York City and beyond. In April, Ms. Noel and Ms. Aaron, met with the Consul General, Hon. Barbara Atherly, Ms. Lorraine Croft-Farnell and Mrs. Samantha Roberts-Hodges to discuss the mission of YGPA and requested assistance for the support of the Consulate in acquiring this goal. There was a previous attempt to plan an event of this nature in 2017 but it did not materialize.

The official email database was created from the attendees of the event, as well as from individuals who were invited but could not attend. A Facebook Page and Instagram account were created to facilitate ongoing engagement with the community at large. There are plans and discussions in place to formalize an Executive Board so membership can effectively organize and execute programming goals. The next event is slated for 2019. The Consulate vouched to commit and participate in future programs with YGPA as they strive to create new connections and strengthen networking opportunities for young Guyanese. 

Consul General Atherly and Staff Picture courtesy of Melissa Noel

“Living With Intention” – a Book Signing and Celebration AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION An evening of inspiration and book signing was hosted by the Consulate on June 1st, 2018 to introduce and explore the writing process of the fabulous book written by Dr. Sonia Noel.

Roxanne Persaud, presented Ms. Noel with a citation recognizing her contributions to the Guyanese community. The emcee for the evening was Lorna Welshman, press coverage was provided by Lakshmee Singh, and photography by Winston Rodney.

The self-published book entitled “Living with Intention: Create, Contribute, Celebrate”, published in December 2017, was co-authored by Apos Claude Brooks. It encompasses parts of the motivational / inspirational category, popularized by Deepak Chopra that discusses survival and navigating through life’s difficult situations.

The book launch was the first on a nationwide tour that included New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington DC, Maryland, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Tennessee, New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. 

Guests at the book signing were treated to an “Evening of Inspiration” where excerpts from other books were read, including previously written works by Ms. Noel, such as “Women Across Borders –With a Mission”, which was read by Jacque Fazekas; “Women Across Borders – Fulfilling Purpose” by Desiree De Florimonte, Ph.D.; “Compilation – Beyond the Runway” by Claudia Vidal; and “Living with Intention - Robert Clarke” by Hiram Kanneth Persaud. During the book signing, Consul General Atherly, on behalf of New York State Senator

INTERNATIONAL DAY AT MERRICK ACADEMY International Day (Feria Internacional) on June 6, 2018. Kwasie Thompson, one of the school’s foreign language teachers, recognizing the demographics of the neighborhood where the school is located, introduced the idea for the International Day. He shared his thoughts and discussed it with the school’s executive director Mr. Aubrey Featherstone, who recommended that Mr. Thompson liaise with the Guyana Consulate and invite them to assist in the future planning programs. The day showcased many countries and celebrated and exchanged their unique cultures, which included a fashion show, dances, food tasting and music. Approximately fifteen countries were represented with booths, where students and guests explored and communicated, shared and experienced different cross-cultures. Visitors to the booths were also given mock stamped passports, and invited to visit the country of their choice. Diaspora Officer Samantha Roberts-Hodges, Information Officer Lorraine Croft-Farnell, and Information Technology Officer Yogvika Arjune represented the Consulate. At the Guyanese booth, there was a promotional tourism video and samples of Guyanese arts and crafts.

MUSICAL DUO - Dasrat BROTHERS As a Queens native who has been involved with music for much of his life, Valmiki Dasrat began playing the tabla with his brother Suraj, and switched to playing the harmonium at the age of 13. Honing his talent, he performs at his local temple, the Arya Spiritual Center, and at many religious occasions, including ceremonies. Valmiki attends the Sangeet Vilas Music School, where he studies classical Indian music, taught by talented and renowned musicians Kirinarji and Payalji Seen. When he isn’t playing and studying, he likes hanging out with friends, playing basketball and football (soccer), reading, and shopping. He attended York Early College Academy, where he was an honor student and voted the most valuable player for the school’s 2016 cricket season. Following high school, he enrolled at Baruch College in the City University of New York, to study Marketing Management. Valmiki volunteers with several organizations including the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council, the Inter-Community Civic Association, and Hurricane Sandy victims in Far Rockaway. Recently, he was awarded “Youth of the Year 2018” for his contributions to musical performances and participation in the community. As a community activist, he campaigned for an Indo-Guyanese, Richard David in his unsuccessful bid for the New York City Council District 28. Valmiki and his brother were invited to perform at the

2018 Guyana 52nd Independence Anniversary Interfaith Service held at York College. The youngest of the duo, 16-year-old Suraj Dasrat attended York Early College Academy, where, as an athlete he participated in several sporting disciplines. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Health Roman Catholic School and was a member of the school’s basketball team; he was voted the most valuable player (MVP) for two consecutive years and later was the MVP at York Early College Academy’s cricket team. He attends the East Indian Music Academy, and was awarded a “Youth of the Year” recognition plaque for his musical contributions and participation in the community. Volunteering in the community, Suraj assisted with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and provided help to seniors at their luncheon at the Inter-Community Civic Association. With plans to become a mechanical engineer, when he isn’t studying or volunteering, he plays basketball.

Trice AnointeD - tHE HARTE SISTERS To many who’ve heard them sing, Achasha, Sara and Shanae Harte, are considered to family and friends, “Trice Anointed”. The three sisters, hail from Georgetown, Guyana, grew up with their parents, Ralph and Sandra Harte, both accomplished gospel music singers. The sisters were exposed to and developed their musical talent from within their church community. The moniker was given to them in 2012 when they performed for the first time outside of that community. The trio performs at weddings, parties, conventions, concerts, crusades and many other events in Guyana and in the United States. Since migrating to the United States, they have continued to sing Gospel compositions with renowned artists such as E-Praise

(recently accompanied to the Stellar Gospel Awards pre-showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada) and Eddie Neblett. The sisters performed at Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary Inter Faith Service held at York College in New York City. They are each enrolled in College, studying Political Science, Biology, Broadcast Journalism and Psychology, respectively. They acknowledge that even though their career paths will take them in different directions, their passion for music and singing with each other will likely keep them performing together.

a second-generation guyanese in tech - Lauren Nicholson Even though Lauren Nicholson, daughter of Ian and Loida Nicholson, was born in the United States, she is very passionate of her Guyanese roots. Her pride, as a second generation Guyanese immigrant, was unequivocally displayed when she represented her ancestral land with a huge Golden Arrowhead in hand and another wrapped around her neck when she arrived at her dorm at Yale University. Prior to attending Yale, Lauren attended the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut; an independent, all-girl’s preparatory college. The facility offered boarding and a day school for girls from Grades Six to Twelve. While attending Ethel Walker’s school, Lauren specialized in the fields of public health and education policy. She spent time in Chile, volunteering with Non-profit organizations and working with refugees; experiences which motivated her to identify ways and strategies of impacting her future work environment. Following her social service, she was employed by Microsoft as an intern on the Azure Brand team, before the end of her senior year. After graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Government from Harvard University, Lauren worked as a Product Marketing Manager in the Cloud and Enterprise division of that Company. Lauren is a true example of a hard-working Guyanese, with the tenacity to succeed. Her endeavors are much to be proud of and accomplished with the complete support of her family.

Longevity is in the Genes Clara Winifred Albertha Durant Clara Winifred Albertha Durant was born on June 4, 1918 and a century later, on June 18, 2018, celebrated this significant milestone with her family and friends. When she resided in Guyana, she attended Smith Church Congregational School and Cardiff High School. She migrated to the United States to assist with the care and nurture of her grandchildren, Brook and Chemar, which allowed her daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law Bertie, to pursue their careers. Clara had many passions, which included fashion designing and beauty culture; playing tennis at the YWCA; and attending cricket matches at the Bourda Guyana Cricket Club. Guyana’s Consul General, Barbara Atherly, presented a citation to her on behalf of Consulate General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at the celebration.

Caroline Farinha Caroline Farinha’s friends and family gathered at the Kingsbrook Jewish Nursing Home to celebrate her 100th birthday. She was born at Plantation Content, on the East Coast of Demerara, on March 17, 1918. Cousin Caroline, as she is fondly called, was the primary caregiver for her physically and developmentally challenged daughter, Barbara. An avid reader, she often reminded others that reading improves one’s knowledge. On the occasion of the centenarian’s celebration on March 17, 2018, Guyana’s Consul General, Barbara Atherly, presented her with a citation recognizing both her accomplishments and her longevity. Two months after this celebration, Caroline passed away. 

7 The Consulate General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana officially launched its Facebook page on June 19th 2018. This social platform allows for better, more efficient interactions between the public and the Consulate. The Facebook Page keeps the public up to date with our Events (Outreach Programs, Consulate Saturdays, and other events pertaining to the Diaspora); provides tips, guidelines, and information about our services. The Facebook page also supplies information on the activities in Guyana and information on our tourism and developments of our country. Our page can be accessed by searching for @GuyanaNY on Facebook

Effective December 1, 2018, the new fee for return FEDEX postage for passports has been increased to $US13.00 instead of US$10.00.

C. CONSULAR MATTERS The New York Town Hall 2018 meeting

The keynote speaker at the meeting was the Honorable Carl B. Greenidge, 2nd Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Following the brief introduction and welcome by Consul General Barbara Atherly, the Honorable Minister took the floor to address the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy. His presentation informed the capacity audience that Venezuela continues to dispute the 1899 Arbitral Award laying claim to 2/3rds of Guyana’s Territory. However, with the intervention of the United Nations Secretary-General, His Excellency Antonio Guiterras, the matter has been forwarded to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and it is Guyana’s belief that a definitive decision, one that can no longer be challenged by Venezuela, will be made by 2020. The Honorable Minister also informed the listeners that the Government has plans to deal with the expected boost in the economy from the budding oil industry. He stated that the immediate goals of the Government are:

1. To bring electrical charges to an affordable level for ALL Guyanese 2. Investment in the betterment of the Agricultural Sector 3. Focusing on bridges, roads and other infrastructure The Diaspora was invited to make comments and ask questions, making for quite an informative and interactive session.

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To bring electrical charges to an affordable level for ALL Guyanese Investment in the betterment of the Agricultural Sector

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The New York Town Hall 2018 meeting was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations and the Consulate General, convened on the margins of the 73rd Session of the United National General Assembly on September 29, 2018 at York College, Queens New York.

Focusing on bridges, roads and other infrastructure

D. RECOGNIZING OUR SENIORS To qualify for an Old Age Grant, the Insured Person must have: 1. Paid not less than fifty (50) contributions 2. Attained the age of sixty (60) years. Remember that you can qualify under the CARICOM SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT for Old Age Benefit if you have worked in another CARICOM country.

National Insurance Scheme’s Pension Readiness Programme* National Insurance Scheme’s Pension Readiness Programme (PRP) is one which seeks to identify Insured Persons who are 55 years and over and would be eligible for an Old Age Benefit at age 60. This process will be done three years in advance and aims at making the payment of Old Age Benefit more efficient and a very satisfying experience for our contributors. Additionally, it is the Scheme’s responsibility to ensure that our retired Insured Persons have the resources they need to be self sufficient in that phase of their lives. Timely payment of benefits and customer satisfaction are areas that the Scheme has been placing great emphasis on. Tremendous efforts have been expended as NIS continuously seeks new ways of ensuring that this becomes a reality. This programme which commenced approximately seven (7) years ago, initially identified in the current year, all those persons who would have become eligible for an Old Age Benefit in the following year. This will now be extended to focus on persons who will be sixty year old the next five year and under. During the current year, an official list of persons who fall into this category is generated from NIMS and an individual Contribution Record is printed and posted to each of the Insured Persons who have been so identified.

On receipt of the Contribution Records, persons whose printouts have discrepancies are asked to visit the Records Section located at Camp and Bent Streets Georgetown or the nearest Local Office with the relevant supporting document to have their queries addressed. Types of queries • •

Name query Missing contributions

However, under these queries there are several other queries that could be derived. For example, a name query could be as a result of marriage or divorce. While a contribution query could be as a result of an Insured Person working with two or more employers, or paying NIS contribution with an incorrect number. QUALIFYING CONDITIONS FOR OLD AGE PENSION To qualify for an Old Age Pension, the Insured Person must have: 1. Have paid not less than one hundred and fifty (150) contributions. 2. Paid or been credited with, or paid and been credited with not less than seven hundred and fifty (750) contributions. 3. Attained the age of sixty (60) years. *Source N.I.S.

For further information, call or visit any of our NIS offices or contact the Public Relations Unit, Brickdam and Winterplace, Georgetown. Telephone number: 227-6851 Email: nispublicrelations@yahoo.com

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9.

OAB 1 Form 2.NIS and ID cards Birth Certificate Affidavit of identity (to support call names). Deed Poll (to change your name) Statutory Declaration (To show how name on birth certificate was changed) Passport (can be used as a supporting document, along with birth certificate for overseas applicants) Petition for change of name (overseas applicants) Divorce absolute (Not the decree nisi)

Documents that are in foreign language must be translated to English. Your Contribution Record means a lot to you in the Short-Term And LongTerm. Please assist in ensuring its accuracy. For more information visit the nearest NIS Office to you or The Records Section at Camp and Bent Streets Georgetown. Telephone number 225-2798 or 226-8059 Email:nispublicrelations@yahoo.com Website: www.nis.org.gy

E. IN THE NEWS The Guyana–Venezuela Border Controversy

The ongoing border controversy between Guyana–Venezuela was referred to the International Court of Justice, the legal arm of the United Nations, for adjudication and settlement of any and all claims.

According to Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following a decision by the United Nations Secretary General on January 30, 2018, the Guyana and Venezuela border controversy entered a new legal phase where the next step in the dispute resolution was referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Secretary General’s decision was made in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966, to which Guyana and Venezuela acceded. In keeping with that decision, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, as Guyana’s Agent, filed an Application with the ICJ on March 29, 2018 at The Hague, and requested that the Court adjudge and declare that the 1899 Award granting, then British Guiana, now, Guyana sovereignty over the contested region is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, and that the boundary established by the Award and its subsequent 1905 Agreement is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela. In his application, the Agent stated, “Guyana enjoys full sovereignty over the territory between the Essequibo River and the boundary established by the 1899 Award and the 1905 Agreement, and Venezuela enjoys full sovereignty over the territory west of that boundary; Guyana and Venezuela are under an obligation to fully respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the boundary established by the 1899 Award and the 1905 Agreement. “Venezuela shall immediately withdraw from and cease its occupation of the eastern half of the island of Ankoko, and each and every other territory which is recognized as Guyana’s sovereign territory in accordance with the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement.

“Venezuela shall refrain from threatening or use of force against any person and or company licensed by Guyana to engage in economic or commercial activity in Guyanese territory as determined by the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement, or in any maritime areas appurtenant to such territory over which Guyana has sovereignty or exercises sovereign rights, and shall not interfere with any Guyanese or Guyanese-authorized activities in those areas; “Venezuela is internationally responsible for its violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence.” Following the Secretary General’s decision, Venezuela issued a statement in which it reiterated its firm disposition, “maintaining political negotiation on the basis of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, as the only path to reach the peaceful, practical and satisfactory solution” of the controversy. The statement concluded with the assertion that Venezuela would continue to defend its sovereign rights over the Essequibo. In a communique to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs extended greetings on the occasion of Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence, and reiterated its reservation with respect to its rights of sovereignty over the Essequibo territory, as previously expressed in its Note of May 26, 1966, in which it recognized the new state of Guyana. The communique reiterated its interest in re-establishing bilateral dialogue on the controversy within the framework of the Geneva Agreement. In response, the Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred the Venezuelans to the binding nature of the Geneva Agreement on both parties and noted that the Secretary General ‘s decision was in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Agreement.

The Guyana And Venezuela Border Controversy (Cont’d)

On June 18, 2018, representatives from Guyana and Venezuela attended a meeting convened by the ICJ President at The Hague to determine the views of the countries on procedural questions in the case. In a Communique issued on June 18, 2018, the Venezuelan government informed that it had presented a written communication from the President of Venezuela at the meeting, which indicated its decision not to participate in the proceedings initiated by Guyana, and that the Court lacked jurisdiction over an action unilaterally presented by Guyana, without Venezuela’s consent. According to the Communique, Venezuela’s decision was consistent with its historical position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the international body. Venezuela reiterated that negotiations to reach a settlement should be carried out within the framework of the Geneva Agreement. Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to Venezuela’s Communique, Minister pointed his Venezuelan counterpart to

Article 53 of the Statute of the Court, which says, “whenever one of the Parties does not appear before the Court, or fails to defend its case, the other Party may call upon the Court to decide in favor of its claim,” and that Guyana intends to proceed in accordance with that article. The Article further indicated, “If Venezuela persists in its refusal to participate, the rules provide for the Court to proceed, after a full hearing of the case, to a final judgement that is legally binding on both the participating and nonparticipating parties”. The ICJ Registrar informed both Guyana and Venezuela that in an Order of June 19, 2018, written pleadings shall first be addressed on the question of the Court’s jurisdiction. The Court has fixed as the time limit to file these pleadings as November 19, 2018 for the Memorial of Guyana, and April 18, 2019 for the Counter-Memorial of Venezuela. In its Order, the Court also stated, “the possibility for Venezuela of availing itself of its procedural rights as a Party to the case is preserved”. 

Ministry Of Social Protection - Childcare And Protection Agency ADOPTION PROCESS IN GUYANA

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Guyana is not yet a signatory to the Hague Convention but its procedures regards to the adoption of children in Guyana are comparable.

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Who Can Adopt? Guyana’s laws support the adoption of Guyanese children by Guyanese nationals, Guyanese nationals residing outside of Guyana, former Guyanese nationals who have acquired the citizenship of another country and non-Guyanese residing in and outside of Guyana Residency Requirements Non-resident Guyanese and Non-Guyanese must furnish the Agency with a notarised Report from a Registered Adoption Agency or body in their Country as to their suitability to be entrusted with the care of a child and ability to undertake an inter-country adoption. They will be required to travel to Guyana during the adoption process.

Age Requirements The applicant must be at least eighteen years and not older than sixty-five years. The age difference between the applicant and the child must not be more than fifty years or less than seventeen years. The Court may dispense with the age requirement for good and sufficient reason. Marriage Requirement Married couples, couples in a common law union and single individuals can adopt in Guyana. Income Requirement Applicants must prove financial stability. Other Requirements Guyana’s adoption Laws has not addressed matters relating to gay/lesbian and/or adoption by same- sex couples. Who Can Be Adopted A child under the age of eighteen years who has never been married and resided in Guyana can be adopted in Guyana. Eligibility Requirements Inquiries are conducted to ascertain that the adoption would be in the best interest and wellbeing of the child. The required consent of the child’s natural parents will be sought. If initial enquiries are unable to locate the parents of

11 ADOPTION PROCESS IN GUYANA (Cont’d)

the child, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) authorises an advertised search for the parents. This must occur for three (3) consecutive Saturdays in one of the local newspapers. In the event that the child’s natural parents are deceased, death certificates must be obtained. The Court may dispense with the consent of the child’s natural parent or guardian if it is satisfied that the person (a) cannot be found, (b) has abandoned, neglected or ill-treated the child, (c) has failed to discharge the parental rights or any other requirements stated in the prescribed regulation. Important: Although a child is eligible for adoption and emigration according to Guyana’s Laws, the child may not meet the requirements of the Applicant’s country of residence. Therefore, Applicants residing overseas must contact their immigration service to ensure that the child meets the immigration requirements and is eligible to travel upon completion of the adoption in Guyana.

Contact us at: Ministry of Social Protection Childcare and Protection Agency Lot 7 Broad and Charles Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown Telephone #: 592-225-7450, 592-225-1257 or 592-227-0138. Email ccpa.adopt@yahoo.com.

ADOPTION PROCEDURE The Agency determines the eligibility of a child and prospective applicant for adoption. When a child is found eligible for adoption, the Agency matches that child with a prospective applicant based on the specific needs of the child and the notarised Report of the prospective applicant. The First Step would then be to apply to the Childcare and Protection Agency using specified application and medical forms provided by the Agency (this can also be done electronically). An appointment for an interview with the applicants, child and natural parents (if available) will be scheduled. Appointments are usually scheduled within 1-2 weeks after the application is filed but the Agency will undertake a request for an expedited appointment. Bonding must be facilitated between the prospective parent and the child. When the Agency is satisfied that the adoption is in the best interest of the child, the Agency will give its consent in writing its desire to act as Guardian ad litem of the child. The applicant would then be advised to file, through an attorney of his/ her choice, legal papers to the Supreme Court for the Agency to be appointed Guardian ad litem. The certified copies of the documents (First Order) filed must be received from the Supreme Court before the Agency makes arrangement for the matter to be taken to the Adoption Board for consideration. The Agency will appoint a registered Social Worker to monitor the child in the care of the adopter.

Second Step: The Agency, after receiving the initial papers from the Court will prepare an adoption report, for the Board and Court, on the suitability of the adopters and whether or not the adoption would be in the child’s best interest. Where the Board is satisfied that the Adopter may be entrusted with the care and possession of the child, the Board shall so recommend that to the Agency and the Agency may recommend to the Court that the child be placed in the custody and care of the adopter. All matters for the issuance of the Final Orders are scheduled by the Court according to its calendar. When the Final Order is granted, the child’s adoptive certificate can be obtained from the office of the Registrar General. Time Frame Adoptions in Guyana typically take six months to one year to complete except in special circumstances. Adoption Fees There are absolutely no Government fees required for an adoption in Guyana. Post Adoption Post adoptions are required one year after the adoptive child travels to the residence of the adoptive parents. Adoptive parents can contact the Childcare and Protection Agency for any assistance or support needed after the completion of an adoption in Guyana.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2019

2019 SCHEDULES 

Consulate Saturdays Saturday, March 16 Saturday, June 15 Saturday, September 21 Saturday, December 14

Dates to be Confirmed

Outreach*

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SCHENECTADY

April, October

BRONX

July

NEW JERSEY

July

BROOKLYN

August

QUEENS

August

CONNECTICUT

September

*Please visit our website, www.guyanaconsulatenewyork.org for exact location and times.

Holidays Observed

NEW YEAR’S DAY (GUYANA/USA)

Tuesday, January 1

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (USA)

Monday, January 21

REPUBLIC DAY (GUYANA)

Saturday, February 23

Phagwah/Holi (GUYANA)

Thursday, March 21

GOOD FRIDAY (GUYANA/USA)

Friday, April 19

EASTER MONDAY (GUYANA)

Monday, April 22

INDEPENDENCE DAY (GUYANA)

Sunday, May, 26

MEMORIAL DAY (USA)

Monday, May 27

INDEPENDENCE DAY (GUYANA/USA)

Thursday, July 4

EMANCIPATION DAY (GUYANA)

Thursday, August 1

Eid-ul-Adha

Sunday, August 11

LABOUR DAY (USA)

Monday, September 2

THANKSGIVING DAY (USA)

Thursday, November 28

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY (USA)

Friday, November 29

CHRISTMAS DAY (GUYANA/USA)

Wednesday, December 25

BOXING DAY (GUYANA)

Thursday, December 26

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LATE GE NSU NE RA CO



W YO R K, US

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

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

Tourism & Investments

(212) 947-5110 Option 5