Caribbean spirit alive and well

Dec.08.06

EDITOR: I followed with deep sadness the reports of the disappearance of Dominic Gonsalves and Rasheed Ibrahim in what appears to be a plane crash.

Gratitude is due to the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines and regional bodies for their efforts in this matter and also the expressions of sympathy and concern some of which I heard and read in the media. These include from the fishermen and people of Bequia, where as in mainland St Vincent, I spent many happy days vacationing.{{more}}

Mr Gonsalves was born in Guyana and chose to live in St Vincent where for several years he was welcomed by the Vincentian people, raising a family and helping run a family business. I met him once while transiting a regional airport with another carrier and, as a true businessperson as well as pilot, he encouraged me to fly with his airline next time.

This outpouring of sympathy and concern underscores the traditional warmth and hospitality of all Caribbean peoples, among whom Guyanese people may have settled.

My sympathy to the Gonsalves and Ibrahim families at this time.

NORMAN FARIA

Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Barbados