Opening of prayer vigil, Fr. Vyphus
Guyanese nationals living on Montserrat joined the Golden Arrow Head Association in a motorcade and Prayer Vigil at the St. Peter’s parish church ground on Saturday, July 28. The event was in connection with the ongoing protest which claimed three lives in the Bauxite mining town of Linden Guyana, on July 18, 2012.
The Golden Arrow Head Association is an one which represents the interest of Guyanese nationals living in Montserrat. The group initiated two motorcades which took off from Salem center and St. John’s 5:00 p.m. en route to St. Peters ground, honking horns and bearing the Guyana flag as they transport supporters.
Showing unity as members and supporters hold hands
On arrival at the ground about 6:00 p.m., Fr. Vyphius, Anglican parish priest a Guyanese himself, led off in prayer followed by various individuals praying with the group, as they called for peace and unity in Guyana and around the world. The session also included praise and worship songs.
President of the Golden Arrow Head Association Ms. Tracy Scipio said, “This evening’s event is in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Linden, and the killing of three persons during a protest. It is also for the love, unity and togetherness of all people, not only Guyanese as nationals, but as well as nationals from all over the world. We pray for peace in families, political parties and leaders.”
Godwin Caesar
Chairperson for the event, Mr. Godwin Caesar told the gathering, “The purpose for us being here is more or less for requesting that which is of God’s intervention so that we could have a change of heart for our people, for our loved ones, for our fellow brethren in linden, Region 10 of Guyana.”
Caesar continued, “Fellow brethren, we are here for a purpose that should not be taken easily or lightly. Now is not a time for war, now is not a time for chaos, it profits us nothing in my view. I don’t know if anybody agree with me, now is time for peace, now is time for unity, now is time for forwardness, coming together, love, fruits of the Holy Spirit.”
At the event the Honourable Acting Premier Mr. Easton Taylor Farrell as well as other non-Guyanese members of the Community, stood in prayer with the group.
Fifteen days ago approximately 1,000 Lindeners took the streets to protest the removal of a subsidy in electricity rates which resulted in a 50% increase in electricity tariff. The small town is also said to be faced with a 70 percent unemployment level, one of the highest in the country.
Supporting the cause
The Golden Arrowhead Association represents the interests of Guyanese nationals living in Montserrat. It has an executive body of seven persons which includes: President Tracy Scipio, Vice President Boin McPhoy, Secretary Beverey Isaacs and Floor members, Godwin Caesar, Wonda Charles, Eloise McPhoy and Delsi Prince.
