Today, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Caribbean Heritage month was being celebrated; however among the proud array of CARICOM Flags on display at the rotunda, that of the nation in which CARICOM was born in 1973 was missing.
The flag of Guyana, known as The Golden Arrowhead, has been the national flag of Guyana since May 1966 when the country became independent from the United Kingdom. It was designed by Whitney Smith, an American vexillologist (though originally without the black and white fimbriations, which were later additions suggested by the College of Arms in the United Kingdom).
The proportions of the national flag are 3:5. The colours are symbolic, with green for agriculture and forests, white for rivers and water, gold for mineral wealth, black for endurance, and red for zeal and dynamism.
The omittance of this was noticed earlier in the week as Guyanese had flocked to the venue in celebration of that country's 45th independence. When a staff member of authority at Brooklyn Borough Hall who's involved in the planning of the events stated not knowing anything abouth having the Guyana flag there it led to cries of outrage, disappointment and feelings of disrespect.
What this blogger questions is doesn't the Borough President's office check facts? Isn't there a procedure on record and archival files showing that in the last six years that Guyanese in the constituency contribute and support these events? CARICOM has been in existence since 1973 wouldn't their staff check the CARICOM website to verify Guyana's membership? How will we ever get ahead if we don't know from whence we came?
At the Heads of Government Conference in 1973, then Prime Minister of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham was among the leaders of signatory to the documentation at the founding of CARICOM.
Two noted Guyanese were slated to be honored at today's events, imagine their shock at the absence of the Golden Arrowhead on display in the rotunda. Along with members of the Guyanese Business Community and Press this represented a moment of hurt and outrage; one affluent Guyanese left the Hall in pursuit of finding a flag to wave, others became vocal at the staffer who should have known better. It appears that person opted not to disclose the grievous error of exclusion to avoid questioning of their job performance; an unconscionable choice in light of the PR nightmare it's bound to bring to the office of a well-liked and affable Borough President who claims any Caribbean Heritage when participating in events of the many Caribbean-American nations represented in his constituency.
When contacted, Marty Markowitz's Press Secretary was unaware of the fracas; and at last word was looking into it. I doubt that he's prepared for what he'll find. I dare say though that all too long the Guyanese community have let such oversights just pass as dust swept under the rug; this would not be an issue faced by Jamaica, Barbados or Trinidad.
Guyanese I urge you to speak up; contact the office of Borough President, Marty Markowitz, his office works for you and your vote keeps him in office.
Contact the Borough or Deputy Borough President, send an email, send a message: Marty Markowitz askmarty@broklynbp.nyc.gov or Yvonne Graham ygraham@brooklynbp.nyc.gov there should be an apology issued to the Guyanese Community.
Mark Zustovich
Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz
Press Secretary
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
718.802.3830 (office)
917.355.8590 (mobile)
http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/
UPDATE,
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Arrowhead was finally hoisted at Brooklyn Borough Hall today after the country in which CARICOM was signed into existence had been previously omitted from recoginition among all other CARICOM nations flags being displayed in the rotunda as the borough celebrated Caribbean Heritage events?
Thanks to all of you who emailed the Borough President's office!
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