By Sam Sooppersaud
Continued from last week
With Ray Sundar gone, discord once again revisited the ranks of the ICF. Over-zealous and over-ambitious persons within the membership attempted to “hijack” the elected offices within the organisation. They called an election which was rigged to ensure their election into office. However, the Board of Directors saw through their deviousness and declared the election null and void.
The BOD called new elections and Isardat Ramdehal was elected the next president of the ICF. He was a dedicated official and with the cooperation of the other elected officials and the membership; he set about doing the tasks of the ICF. He reintroduced the various activities that the Federation had staged prior to 1992 but had gone a begging during the power-grabbing attempt.
The cricket match was restored, the Talent Show and Beauty Pageant was once again featured at Smokey Park. More interest was placed on children’s education. The Ramdehal’s presidency could be categorised as a “fruitful period” for the organisation.
Next, it was Jagdesh Mohunlall’s time at the head of the ICF. He continued the programmes and projects of the Federation. Things went on relatively smoothly. He was a voice of conscience to the ICF and was a stabilising force within the organisation. He demitted office in 2002.
A most progressive period for the ICF commenced for the ICF when Ralph Tamesh was elected its president in 2002. Due to his hard work and his intermediating skills, the power struggle which plagued the ICF in the past seemed to have been abated. Ralph is a hands-on president. He just does not sit back and have others do his work and then take full credit, he being the president. Through his hard work, the membership of the Federation has increased appreciably. The finances looked better than in past years. He is able to get sponsorship for the Federation’s various endeavors. Ralph follows up his phone calls by more phone calls. If he cannot reach a prospective sponsor, it is not uncommon for Ralph to show up at his door steps.
Once President Tamesh was asked what new programmes the Federation has introduced. He was quick to reply: “The organisation serves as a conduit to help people secure health benefits and with immigration paperwork”.
People within the organisation are clear on the pathways which the organisation must tread. They are aware that much has to be done and that the President is leading the charge to get things done. Stability has returned to the ICF.
Have you ever attended an ICF-sponsored cricket match? If you have then you would have seen Ralph Tamesh was “here, there and everywhere”. He is always on the move seeing to it that everything works out according to plans and making sure the spectators have an enjoyable time. He does make certain refreshments and food is available for the fans. As for the Talent Show and Beauty Pageant, Ralph works tirelessly to procure the most entertaining performers for his audiences. In preparation of the yearly ICF Magazine, Ralph is always there seeking contributors; money people and writers alike. He is surely a blessing to the ICF.
The Indo-Caribbean Federation is always ready and willing to give whatever assistance it is called upon to render – in bereavement, in giving advice, in helping out with needed financial obligations and numerous other charitable causes.
The work of the Federation is not only done in North America, but also abroad. President Tamesh and a team of ICF members and supporters visited an orphanage at Enmore, Guyana, The Hope Children’s Home. It was founded by the Church of Christ in the USA. The Home is a bastion for neglected and abused children in Guyana. It offers them comfort and hope. During the visit the ICF donated much-needed items to the Home: food, clothing, bedding, etc.
On the lighter side, the ICF threw a party a few years ago, for renowned Taan Singer Evelyn Morgan who celebrated her eightieth birthday in New York
The ICF does not allow accomplishments by individuals who have exemplified themselves as role models to go unnoticed. In the past, the Federation has honoured many such persons: Sham Razack, for his over fifty years in Journalism, former cricketers, Sew Shivnarain, Leonard Baichan, Romain Etwaroo, Bernard Julien, Kamal Singh, Vibert Darjun.
In an era when people of Indian origin hardly entered Track and Field, Seu Etwaroo was a champion Marathon Runner. The ICF noted this and honoured the ageing athlete at one of its cricket matches at Whitestone Park. This year the Federation honouree was the legendary Caribbean cricket broadcaster from Guyana, Reds Perreira, at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn during the half time at its twenty-third annual cricket match.
In the field of entertainment, the ICF has lent its assistance to many. At the Dinner on September 26, numerous persons gave testimony as to their relationship with the ICF. Lisa Ali told of performing on the ICF stage for many years during its Pageant and Talent Shows. This gave her the stage presence and exposure to start her dancing career. Today she is a teacher of Indian Dance at Queens College. A young man, by the name of Kris Budhram, told of how he was encouraged to sing at an ICF Talent Show. He said he never sang on stage before. In fact, he admitted that he was a “bathroom” singer. The standing ovation he received that day encouraged him to practice his singing more. Today, he performs regularly before audiences. The dancers of the David Ali Dance School are given the opportunity each year to show their dancing skills before large crowds at the ICF Talent Show. This year the Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation performed an extraordinary skit at Smokey Park about our fore fathers coming to Guyana and their experience living and working on the sugar estates.
What more could be said of the Indo-Caribbean Federation but that it has its presence in the West Indian community and it is making a difference. We are so thankful to President Ralph Tamesh and his executives for providing this invaluable service to the Indo Caribbean community.
