It is not known how many Guyanese or Trinidadians or people of Indian descent died as a result Covid 19. Covid killed thousands of Indo Guyanese and Indi Trinidadian Americans. At one time, Little Guyana and Little Trinidad in Queens — Greater Richmond Hill area— had the highest win incidence of Covid in 2021. Funeral homes were overwhelmed with demand for funeral arrangements in the area. Many funerals of victims had to be shifted to other locations to keep up with demand of the countless who lost their lives due to Covid.
Following ongoing discussion with Ashook Ramsaran and this writer going back to 2020, the Guyanese born community advocate has announced this week that he is undertaking a project to document deaths from Covid. Families of those who died as a result of Covid 19 can contact him. The information is only for statistical purposes and will not be used for any other purpose.
Ramsaran issued a release on the project:
The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) has embarked on a timely project to document the passing of Guyanese and those of Guyanese origin who passed away in USA due to Covid-19, with basic information and 1 headshot photo posted online as a memorial for posterity, “lest we forget”.
Over 1 million people in USA lost their lives due to Covid-19 since the outbreak started in late 2019. Among those are a significant number of Guyanese or of Guyanese origin who passed away from inception to date.
Participants include: A 15-member IDC team with expertise in community, institutions, professionals in various disciplines, plus Advisors & consultants: Religious leaders and community advocates; the Government of Guyana, Guyana Embassy in Washington and Guyana Consulates in USA.
Information to be posted: Name, age, male/female, date of death, place of death and burial/cremation;
Family: Spouse, children/grandchildren, siblings.
Remarks by surviving family member: Message limited to available space. Headshot photo (high resolution)
Sources: Family, Religious Institutions, Funeral Homes, Hospitals, Hospices, Rehabilitation Centers & Nursing Homes, Other credible sources COVID DEATHS OF GUYANESE IN USA a project of the Indian Diaspora Council International.
It is strictly volunteer effort with no financial gain to serve our various communities by providing useful information on Guyanese in USA who passed away due to Covid-19, to post online approved information for public viewing to keep their memories alive, and to recognize the desires of their respective families to share their memories with others.
Contact: Ashook Ramsaran at AshookRamsaran@gmail.com