GUYANA EX-POLICE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA OF AMERICA inc.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION.
On or about March 25th.1967, 8 former members of the Guyana Police Force residents of the State of New York and New Jersey met in Brooklyn for the purpose of organizing the Ex-Police of Guyana and forming an association . The association
was named the GUYANA EX-POLICE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA.
ORGANIZING
Correspondence went out to all known former members of the Guyana Police Force. Twenty two (22) members responded to the association's inaugural meeting held on April 16th. 1967. This response was most gratifying, bringing together old associates, squad mates and acquaintances and generating a symbolic and unique feeling of "togetherness."
The following were elected to guide the association in its first year:
President........................ Claude Williams
Vice President................ Samuel McCammon
Secretary........................ Arthur Edwards
Assistant Secretary......... Rupert Cort.
Treasurer........................ Benjamin King
Business Manager.......... Richard Goodluck
Trustee........................... Henry Elcock
Trustee........................... Oscar James
Chaplin. ......................... David John.
Sergeant-at.Arms............ Gerald Melbourne.
The rest of the foundation members included:-
Duncan Collins Albert Cadogan Isaac Edwards,
Vernon Gordon, Leslie Greaves, Harry Haynes,
Patrick Henry, Randolph McGregor, Alexander Morgan,
David Nedd, Dodson Sumner, Gilbert Thomas, and
Roy Tudor.
A Constitution was enacted on May 21st. 1967 and a Welfare Fund was established and implemented on June 16th. 1968. On October 18th.1970 a revision of our constitution was necessary to cover all of our legal requirements.On our 10th Anniversary the Association enjoyed a membership of 62 members.During the first 5 years (1967-1972) three amendments to the constitution were necessary.The Association was incorporated on June 25th. 1969. Between 1972 and 1977 several additional amendments were necessary to keep the association alive and functioning.
HIGHLIGHTS.
The catalyst for the formation of the Guyana Ex-Police Association of America was provided with the information of the impending visit to North America of the Guyana Police Male Voice Choir in order to fulfill their 1967 Canadian Expo engagement.
The Association sponsored a Benefit Concert with the 30 strong Guyana Police Male Voice Choir on July 16th. 1967.The late "Saggie" Jarvis, conducted and Mrs. Evelyn John, soprano, was accompanied by Mr. Hugh Sam.The choir was guest for a day of the New York City Police at Police Headquarters New York. On May 19th.1969 just 2 years into its existence the association through a special Benefit Dance, donated $1,500.00 (US Currency) to the Carl Austin Fund on behalf of the wives and 23 surviving children of the 5 policemen who lost their lives during the unfortunate border incident at Lethem on the Guyana/Brazil Border on January 2nd. 1969.On June 27th.1971 a reception was held in New York in honor of the then Commissioner of Police, Guyana Mr. Carl Austin and Mrs. Austin who were visiting the United States. Former Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix W. Austin, was a special invitee to this reception. The Association was honored with the presence of these two stalwarts of Guyana Police fame.
Former Commissioner Mr. Felix W. Austin subsequently became an honorary member of the association.
In furthering our policy and fellowship to our fellow Guyanese at home and abroad the following donations have been made by our association over the years:
A donation to the Howard University Student Association on the occasion of visiting students from the University of Guyana to America.
A donation to the Margaret Ackman Fund to assist bringing a Guyanese child to the United States for medical treatment
A donation to Sir David Rose School for the Handicapped.
A donation to a Guyanese who suffered loss of limbs in Canada.
SPECIAL GOAL.
At the formation of Association, one of our goals was to have a building of our own within five years. This effort took a lot of hard work but we did not make our five year goal, but with redoubling our efforts, on June 1st. 1977 this association took title to its own property located at 609 East 53rd. Street, Brooklyn, NY.
FUND-RAISING ACTIVITES.
Its fund-raising activities, like its membership and their associates, reflect in many ways the very high standard of discipline, orderliness and integrity traditionally attributed to the Guyana Police Force. The objective is to raise funds to assist our brothers and sisters in the United States and Guyana for Educational Scholarships and Educational Supplement for improvement.
Events are scheduled every year towards this objective, (See our Events page).
