Our Story
More than an
association.
Since 1995, GUSDA has been the beating heart of the UK-Guyanese community — building bridges, celebrating heritage and creating opportunities.
Mission & Vision
Building bridges.
Creating futures.
Our Mission
To help strengthen the community of Guyanese at home and in the United Kingdom by contributing to poverty alleviation, empowering individuals and communities, and fostering initiatives that contribute to nation building.
Our Vision
To build a strong, cohesive community inspired by Guyana's national motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
Our flagship gatherings — the Annual Guyana Family Sports and Fun Day and the Annual Guyana UK Folk Festival — bring the diaspora together each year to celebrate culture, sport and community. With 10+ events a year, the community comes together regularly to celebrate, connect and grow.
30+
Years of community, culture and connection.
History
Three decades
of purpose.
1995
Founded as the Guyana Charity Ball
A group of Guyanese promoters and DJs came together, raising money for the community through charity events.
1996
Supporting Guyanese Athletes
Supported Guyanese athletes at the Atlanta Olympics.
2002
Commonwealth Games Support
Supported Guyanese athletes at the Commonwealth Games.
2004
Formally Constituted
Formally constituted and operating as the Guyana UK Sports Development Association, focused on sports development.
2016
Uncle Eddie's Home
Donation to Uncle Eddie's Home for the Elderly in Guyana.
2017
Renamed to GUSDA
In April 2017, renamed to the Guyana UK Social Development Association, broadening its mission to health, education, culture, community development and wellbeing while keeping the GUSDA acronym.
2017
Giving Back in Guyana
Donations to the National Psychiatric Hospital and Joshua House Children's Centre.
2019
Women's Empowerment
£2,000 donation to the Women's Empowerment Programme.
2020
COVID-19 Relief
Extensive COVID-19 relief work: food hamper donations, partnership with Humanity Wins Foundation supporting 170+ families, an International Guyanese Zoom unity event, and Christmas hampers for children in Guyana.
2021
Flood Relief
Flood relief efforts and financial support for a Guyanese law student.
2024
Registered as a CIO
In March 2024, registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Charity No. 1207355.
Leadership
GUSDA Team
Mala Bheem-Solomon
Chairperson / Trustee · Trustee
Coreen Carberry
Secretary / Trustee · Trustee
Arlene Sampson
Assistant Secretary / Trustee · Trustee
Tafawa Ntune
Treasurer / Trustee · Trustee
Natalie Boston
Assistant Treasurer / Trustee · Trustee
Sheryl Hodge
Organising Secretary / Trustee · Trustee
Orin Alexander
Committee Member / Trustee · Trustee
O'Neil Deflorimonte
Associate Member
Sydney Peters
Associate Member
Nicola Hunte
Associate Member
Jewel
Associate Member
Amron Adams
Associate Member
Governance
Transparent.
Accountable. Trusted.
GUSDA is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees and operates in full compliance with Charity Commission guidelines. We publish annual reports and accounts and hold open AGMs.
Registered Charity
England & Wales — No. 1207355
Founded
1995, UK
Employees
Volunteer-led organisation
Get Involved
Volunteer with GUSDA.
Give your time, share your skills and help strengthen the UK-Guyanese community. Browse open roles and apply in minutes.
Browse Volunteer OpportunitiesGet in Touch
We'd love to
hear from you.
Whether you have a question, want to get involved, or would like to explore a partnership — reach out and a member of the team will respond within 48 hours.
