Caribbean L 12 ife, JANUARY 21-27, 2022
Lady Ira Lewis, prominent socialite and legislative aide to Assemblywoman
Britnee N. Timberlake’s offi ce, of the 34th Legislative District, NJ, with
nephew Dennis Pile at her milestone party at the Princess Ramada Hotel
Guyana. Leon Munro
Lady Ira Lewis celebrated at
milestone event in Guyana
By Tangerine Clarke
Lady Ira Lewis, a Guyanese-American
socialite, president and founding member
of the Guyana American Heritage
Foundation, Inc. based in New Jersey, was
celebrated with tributes at her milestone
event, on Jan. 15, at the Princess Ramada
Hotel in Guyana.
The fashionable lady who wore two
outfits, first, a yellow and blue floorlength
gown designed with ruffles, for
the cocktail hour at the hotel’s poolside,
and later escorted by her nephew, Dennis
Pile, decked in an elegant royal blue
gown, designed with crystals, was showered
with praise for her thoughtfulness
and humanitarian spirit, by friends, family,
and associates.
Joy Agness Events organized the grand
birthday gala which was emceed by Bobby
Viera, radio host and owner of Lite FM
104.1, and the brother-in-law of Mrs. Ira
Lewis.
“Your majesty, you are deserving of
these tributes. It is wonderful that we get
to share these tributes while you are alive.
We are not only celebrating your ability
to touch the lives of people in Guyana but
further afield,” said Viera.
“Blessings to you, so you can transform
the lives of future generation. Thanks for
all you have done, and may the Lord continue
to bless you,” said Darren, who represented
his mother, Vonda Liverpool.
Dennis Pile, the nephew of Lady Ira,
in a heartfelt tribute, recalled growing up
with his aunt from the age of 14.
“I cannot express enough the volume of
the relationship I have with my aunt. I am
one of the individuals among many others
here, whose lives have been transformed,
impacted, changed, because of our connection,
in one way or the other to my
aunt, Mrs. Lewis.
“From very young, I started living with
my aunt, and much of what I am today,
as an individual is directly related to the
influence and impact she has had in my
life,” said Pile.
“Growing up as a little boy, the responsibility
that she entrusted me with, had
enabled me to become mature, in a decent
and respectable way, respecting others
and caring for things that belong to others,”
he said.
“When I started living with my aunt, I
began dreaming of what I could become.
Over the years, I became someone whose
life has changed, because of the love of
my aunt, because of the kindness she
has shown me, because of the love I have
enjoyed, being in her company, and presence.”
“I had many years to sing happy birthday,
and this one, perhaps, among you, is
important, because this is the first time I
have the opportunity, to publicly say happy
birthday to my aunt. I love you much.”
“On behalf of all my family, we love
you, and it is my hope and prayer, that by
the grace of God, he navigates you to walk
closer with him. Let God empower you,”
said Pile
“Lady Ira, you are a woman of substance,
you are a woman who people
can depend on, you make a difference in
people’s lives. I love that you are helping
people. Happy birthday to you, special
woman. May God continue to bless you,
so you could continue to do the great work
you are doing,” said Desiree Edghill.
Timothy Roberts in turn, celebrated
Lewis with an emotional gospel tune, telling
her she looked beautiful.
Right after that with mellow music
in the backdrop, Lady Ira Lewis, was
joined by her nephew, Dennis Pile, to cut
the beautifully decorated yellow and blue
birthday cake, before being honored with
a drumming salute.
In her response, the birthday lady,
thanked God who is the head of her
life, and acknowledged family, friends and
associates, such as Amanda Hermanstine,
for being a part of her journey. “Call for
whatever you want, and you will get it.”