Dr Cheryl Barker giving the opening remarks
The formal affair attracted a gathering of 200 guests at Antun’s Banquet Hall on October 8th, 2011. The Mayoral Ball was held to acknowledge the forty-one, former and current, Mayors of New Amsterdam and bring together their families, friends, and members of the civic community in a spirit of camaraderie; to create awareness of the existing conditions of the town of New Amsterdam, Guyana; and to raise funds for the township.
The event was chaired by Dr. Cheryl Barker, the grand-daughter
of the Honorable Joseph Zepanian Peters, a former mayor of
New Amsterdam in 1930. Guests attending the function were greeted and interviewed at the entrance to the Ball Room by some of COFONA’s young leaders of tomorrow. In the brief interview, guests shared their linkage to New Amsterdam and their interest in COFONA, an organization that seeks to bring change in their hometown.
Among those attending the occasion were: the Honorable Mayor Errol Alphonso and his wife, Mrs. Gwen Alphonso; the Honorable Barbara Pilgrim Roberts and Mr. Samuel Roberts; Mrs. Ruth Johnson, wife of the late Honorable Mayor Neville Johnson; Mrs. Kitty Johnson, wife of the late Honorable Anthony Johnson accompanied by other members of her family; children of the late W.O.R Kendall; grand children and great-grand children of the Honorable Joseph Zepanian Peters; Mr. Leroy Scotland, brother of the late Honorable Gerald Scotland; Mr. Mathieu Eugene, Councilman of the 40th District of Brooklyn; representatives of the Maryland and Canadian chapters of the Guyana Berbice Association as well as the Ancient County Association representatives of the Guyana Ex-Police Association; representatives of the Guyana Ex-GDF Association; representatives of the Guyana Ex-National Service Association; representatives of the Guyana Association of Ex-Presidential Guards and Immigration Association; and representatives of the Clublanders’ Association, among others.
From Left, Dr Leonard Lewis, Mrs. Gwen Alphonso, Mrs. Sharon Bender- Lewis, Mr. Errol Alphonso, Mrs. Barbara Pilgrim Roberts, Mr. Samuel Roberts.
President of COFONA, Dr Leonard Lewis, gave the keynote address. He expressed his appreciation to those attending the ball and briefly described the early development of the New Amsterdam Township. He noted that, in addition to the mayors, other civic leaders of the township should be recognized, e.g. the educators and teachers, the businessmen, the clergy,
As the township calls on its sons and daughters for help, he stated that COFONA has responded to that call! According to Dr. Lewis, ‘For just over a year, COFONA has embarked on a mission to network among individuals, associations, groups, agencies and other entities to promote the social, educational, cultural, and economic development of New Amsterdam; to serve as a vehicle for mobilization, and a catalyst for change in the town we call home…And while we acknowledge the challenges that confront our hometown, we recognize the potential value of the sons and daughters it has birthed and of their interest and hope in making a difference.’ He challenged others to join in that effort, in whatever way possible, to contribute to the rebuilding of the town.
The Honorable Errol Alphonso, former mayor of New Amsterdam, encouraged the guests to mobilize their skilled resources and devise ways to assist in rebuilding the town. He acknowledged that some groups are already showing an interest in the town, and he encouraged the attendees, particularly those originally from New Amsterdam, to engage in this undertaking and not be left out of future development. Mayor Alphonso also presented a gift to COFONA INC for its interest in and contribution to the township. Mr. Kenneth Henry, brother of the current mayor, the Honorable Claude Henry, brought greetings and well wishes from the Mayor. The only female mayor for the township the Honorable Barbara Patricia Johnson (formerly Pilgrim), and mayor of New Amsterdam from 1986 to 1989, then described her efforts to engage in community projects since leaving office in 1989.
Later in the program, Mr. Santon Lambert thanked the supporters of the Inaugural Mayoral Ball for their attendance, the families and businesses that contributed to the souvenir journal, and the leaders and representatives of the various organizations. The souvenir journal was reprinted and now includes all the mayors’ bios to complete the entire New Amsterdam mayoralships; as well as additional information. Reprints are now available.
Dr Lewis and some of Cofona Leaders of Tomorrow
D J Farley provided entertainment for the elegant gathering who danced away the remainder of the evening. As they danced, the pulsating music and dimly lit ballroom provided the right ambience and set the mood for a pleasant evening for the guests. They were not members of the medical profession and those in culture and sports. For example, in the field of music – Randolph Harrison Bennett, Edith Peters, Norma Romalho, Joyce Ferdinand-Lalljee, Moses Telford, and Rosemary Ramdeholl, among others. Of those leaders, he stated we should appreciate them “… (as) role models to emulate; for (the) strong work ethic instilled; for families nurtured; for leadership skills exemplified; for the morals of our Christian and religious leaders; (and) for educators who taught.” They were not disappointed disappointed.
The Executive Board and members of COFONA would like to thank all those guests who made a special effort to attend. We look forward to having you share this experience with us again in the coming year.