THOUSANDS of people braved inclement weather Monday afternoon to attend a very moving ecumenical service amidst a profound outpouring of sympathy and emotions at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam.

The religious function was organised by Guyana Council of Churches (GCC) to offer prayers and mourn the loss of those who perished in the terrorist attacks on the United States (U.S.) last week Tuesday.

U.S. Ambassador Ronald Godard and his wife were among those in attendance there immediately following another similar programme at St George’s Cathedral, Company Path, also in Georgetown.

Representing the Ambassador at the Anglican worship was Charge d’ Affaires at the American Embassy, Mr Andrew Parker and, in that congregation, too, were Prime Minister Sam Hinds and Mrs Yvonne Hinds, Mayor of Georgetown, Mr Hamilton Green, former President Mrs Janet Jagan, other members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government functionaries, representatives of political parties, non-governmental organisations, relatives and friends of those Guyanese missing or presumed dead.

Celebrants at Brickdam Cathedral were Roman Catholic Father John Persaud and GCC Chairman, Bishop Juan Edghill.

Others officiating were Mrs Kala Seegopaul of the Baha’is, Hindu Pandit Jagmohan Persaud, Muslim Imaam Sharaz Osman Ali and Reverend Anthony Miller.

Apart from select scripture readings and specical prayers, the programme included musical selections and instrumental renditions by Salvation Army Band, Guyana Police Force Choir and Tornado Band, under the baton of Assistant Commissioner Cecil Bovell and Brickdam Cathedral Choir.

The congregation stood at attention as the Police Choir and Tornado Band rendered the American and Guyana national anthems, creating a feeling of oneness between Guyanese and Americans.

Meanwhile, the national flags of the two countries, mounted at half-staff, maintained a dominant presence at either side of the altar, almost motionless throughout the two-hour memorial.

It was an arrangement witnessed for the first time in a local church and many, overwhelmed with emotion, wept silently.

Expertly accompanying the lusty singing on the digital computer organ was organist Jane DeFreitas, during rendition of ‘O God Beyond all praising’, ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’.

Comforting reassurances were given the grieving Americans in song by Salvation Army Band with ‘It is well with my Soul’ and ‘O God our Help in Ages Past’.

Responding to the offerings by the Guyanese community, Ambassador Godard expressed gratitude to the people of Guyana and for the pledge of assistance by President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Godard said one of the most gratifying things he and his wife have been sharing over the past few days was just how wonderful the people of Guyana have been to them in this, their most difficult hour.

“It brings us great solace to know you share our pain and sorrow… your prayers are a most welcome solace,” the diplomat said.

Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, Mr Andrew
Parker addresses the congregation at St George’s Cathedral.


To the relatives and friends of those Guyanese who were also killed in America on September 11, Godard said:” I offer my most sincere condolences.”

He alluded to the attack, saying:” The world is a different place after September 11 and none of us will be the same.”

Of those whose lives were snuffed out, the envoy said: “Their efforts were not in vain.”

He called on the international community to act in concert, adding that the American people will not be cowered but are seeking to rebuild and overcome “this heartless attack”.