TEN YEARS IN CULTURE - LIFETIMES OF JOY

Ten years of cultural celebrations have covered many lifetimes of Guyanese creativity. Since 2001, we have promoted the contributions of the leading artists and cultural enablers to the Guyanese society in the 20th century.

In 2011, we are highlighting our common identity as one people. We recognize a range of talent from a 10 year old to an elder (posthumously) who started to shine 80 years ago. Their accomplishments are in diverse fields in the arts; education; community service; journalism; and as cultural enablers exhibited across Guyana and its Diaspora.

This year's Awards ceremony is special as it marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of the organization. The decade has been a joyful, mostly serene, experience in an upward trajectory with an occasional unsettling episode. Our reactions as a group express elements of Guyanese culture: behavior habits of cooperation based on a fore knowledge of what is expected of each individual. Therefore, in the celebration of that which identifies us as Guyanese we must also acknowledge those who initiated, maintained and developed the annual festival.

Our preferred way of working is to be collegial. What at times may have appeared as intense arguments were the interactions of vibrant voices. Consensus prevailed: look at the facts; look at the accomplishments; read the names of the doers of the multiple program activities. The same group of people has been bringing great results every time to every venture every year for a decade. They give time, energy, know-how, and personal treasury and resources, selflessly. They plan and execute the tasks holding themselves accountable and managing all aspects to admirable success.

The performance by these GCA stalwarts is the positive predictable outcome from a team with ethical sensitivities and a dedication to working for the common good. The core group is based in New York City. Our cultural siblings have inspired me by their dedication, sincerity, classiness and results.

Again, a review of the GCA outcomes in the face of limited resources is inspiring and impressive. Trust and demonstrated capability have been two major enablers to what is accomplished. We have achieved a lot because we have worked to meet objectives cooperatively and by executing our tasks effectively with each other.

The leadership team over the years, guided by the Cultural Director, has fostered traditions of collective ownership. A respectful manner to each individual has molded a group of people to create things much bigger than the aggregation of the small number of persons involved. It was more than the two here, plus the three over there, plus the five around the corner. The ten actually had the impact of 30 high skilled professionals through the multiplier effect.

GCA has established a culture that permits individuals to produce programs with each other for the greater good. It undergirds how things are done; it drives performance and that has accumulated an outstanding record bring joy to many.

Ronald H. Lammy

Co-Chair, Guyana Cultural Association Awards Committee