With the unexpected death of 72-year-old Claire Ann Goring, a respected cultural champion and community leader, the Guyanese American community in New York and its larger diaspora is in deep sorrow.
On MLK Day, January 15, 2024, Goring passed away peacefully in Brooklyn. She went to Bishop’s High School in Georgetown and was from Victoria Village, Georgetown, in Guyana.
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Goring worked with Solo Power’s late Neil Chan to promote tourism and cultural activities in Guyana. During the 1970s and 80s, she made history by being the first woman to present a costume band under Solo Productions Mas in Guyana. Her commitment to excellence was recognized by several organizations.
After relocating to the US, Goring carried on her cultural activism, winning prizes at different events and garnering recognition for her amazing costume creations.
A collection of handcrafted greeting and inspirational cards was developed by artist and CEO of Hybiskus Creations, Claire Goring, out of her studio in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York. She was capable of creating graphic design, magazines, newspapers, brochures, and advertising campaigns.
Numerous initiatives were inspired by her ability and dedication to promoting and maintaining Guyana’s culture. Recognized for his winning costume designs in Guyana and at the Brooklyn Labor Day Carnival, Goring also created productions using talent from the Caribbean. She was instrumental in setting up events like Kwe-Kwe Night and the Guyana Folk Festival/Family Fun Day over Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn as the Cultural Director of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York.
She also held the position of Friends of Victoria Village Diaspora President.
The Guyana Cultural Association presented Goring with the Lifetime Achievement Award on August 31, 2016, during the 13th Annual Awards event held at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Additionally, she received a citation from NYC Mayor Eric L. Adams, who was the president of Brooklyn Borough at the time.
Those who knew and appreciated Goring will always cherish her legacy as a cultural icon and her commitment to protecting Guyana’s cultural heritage.
