Dear Editor,
The Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) of America held an executive election last Thursday at its office in Richmond Hill, Queens. Among other activities, the ICF plans and organizes the annual Indian Arrival Day celebration going back to 1985 and an annual cricket match between Guyana and Trinidad featuring current former national players of both countries. Yours truly served as election returning officer with visiting Guyana IAC activist Mr Parmanand Sukhu being an observer. I was one of the founders of the Federation that was launched in 1984. Other founders included, but are not limited to, Trinidadian Bhanu Dwarika, Vishnu Bandhu, Dr Baytoram Ramharack, Rudra Nath, Ramesh Kalicharran, and Isherdat Ramdehal.
Guyanese dominated the election of officers. Incumbent Ralph Tamesh, formerly of East Coast Demerara, was re-elected as President for a fourth term. Tamesh has been with the Federation for twenty-six years. Lisa Edoo, CEO of Memvar Realty, was also returned as the Vice-President for a second term. Edoo has been with the ICF for the last ten years. Shamin Ali, Marketing Manager of Laparkan, was elected as the Treasurer, and Mala Dasrat was elected as the Secretary.
The Board of Directors chosen are: Frank Singh, President of Marine Funding a member of the Federation since 1987; Imran Ahmad of ITV and host of the popular TV show ‘Kaal Ki Baat’ and emcee of many local shows in Queens New York and Radio Broadcaster; and Robert Mohamed of WICR Radio 1620 am Radio in Richmond Hill, Queens.
The committee members elected are Mr Stanley Raj, Anoop Dhanpat, Yvonne Singh, Sattie Sahadeow, Son Son Sonipersaud, Sabrina Prabhudyal, Shalini Hamid, Ramchand Lackanlall, Annand Mohunlall and Randy Harris.
In his re-election speech, President Tamesh thanked the members for displaying confidence in his leadership to serve another term. “I wish to first thank every one of you here tonight once again for electing me for another two years and for tremendous support given me. I also wish to applaud and commend you for your dedication and the tireless service given to the Federation, and by extension the Indo-Caribbean community. As a result of your hard work, the Federation has grown in size and stature in the community. I look forward for your continuous support and I aim to strengthen the trust and confidence you have placed in my leadership.”
The President also congratulated those who were elected in various positions in the leadership of the organizations and wished them well. He urged them to continue to work hard so that planned events will be more successful than in preceding years.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
