On Sunday July 1st, 2018, Guyanese from New York/New Jersey Diaspora turned out in support of the Coalition of Guyanese Women – Conversation and Fundraising Luncheon held in honor of the first lady of Guyana, Her Excellency Sandra Granger. The Coalition, made up of Sherif Barker, President of Guyana Unity Movement, Cloyette Harris-Stoute, Founder & President of Guyanese Girls Rock, Sharon Devonish-Leid, CEO of Netstruc PR and Internist, Dr. Candace Cummings hosted the event to help raise awareness of the First Lady’s Philatrophic projects.
Many first ladies are very passionate about specific causes and Mrs. Sandra Granger is no exception. During her presentation, she discussed her three philanthropic projects: STEM Guyana, Domestic Violence, and Empowerment of Teenage Moms and took questions from the audience. In addition to financial donations, the first lady was also presented with several robotic kits for her STEM education initiative.
Journalist, Tangerine Clarke, summed up the event in a facebook post as follows:
“Mrs. Granger gave an outstanding presentation of her initiatives, and responded to questions posed during the afternoon of excellence. The event that was sponsored by Fly Jamaica, and held at Tropical Paradise Banquet Hall on Utica Avenue, welcomed a large Guyanese audience who pledged donations to further the FL’s STEM Guyana and other projects. Mrs. Granger spoke passionately about Domestic Violence, Empowerment of teen mothers, and her other initiatives. Thanks to Senator Roxanne Persaud, Consul General to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly Mrs. Roxanne Reece and Kayla Reece, Patricia Jordon- Langford who donated Robotics kits and all who donated to this vital presentation. Michelle Cole’s beautiful Bridal Collection brought a refreshing add to the event.”
During the luncheon awards and citations were presented to Fly Jamaica from Mayor Bill DeBlasio and Senator Kevin Parker. Tangerine Clarke, a reporter with Caribbean Life News, also received a plaque from the Guyana Unity Movement, a Proclamation from Senator Kevin Parker, and a citation from Councilmember Jumanne Williams, for her “tireless work” in the community.
Her Excellency Sandra Granger is the wife His Excellency Brigadaire David Authur Granger, President of the cooperative Republic of Guyana. She was born in Georgetown and attended Sacred Heart Primary school and St. Joseph high school. She has two bachelors of arts degree from the University Guyana in English literature and Portuguese. She also has a master of arts degree Brazilian Literature and a graduate certificate in Latin American studies from the University of Pittsburgh USA.
