By Mark DaCosta- Nola Rodney, a prominent Guyanese-born entrepreneur and owner of Brooklyn’s Waterfall Lounge, has told Village Voice News that she wants to turn her business into a beacon of community engagement. With a passion for uplifting the Guyanese diaspora, Rodney has launched several initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues, such as mental health, digital literacy, and financial well-being. However, she says, her commitment to service has not come without challenges, particularly when her invitation to Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, sparked political controversy within her community.
Rodney’s invitation to President Ali, who was visiting the United States earlier this year, led to an outpouring of discontent from Guyanese opposition supporters, who saw the move as a political statement. Despite this reaction, Rodney has remained steadfast in her belief that inviting the president to her establishment was purely about welcoming a prominent figure from her homeland, not about endorsing any political ideology.
Rodney said that she wants to create spaces where the Guyanese diaspora can thrive in all aspects of life, starting with mental health. Her latest community-driven programme, the “Mental Care” initiative, is a direct response to the overlooked mental health struggles within the Caribbean community, particularly in New York. Through workshops and relaxed settings, Rodney hopes to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, offering a space where people can talk openly about their emotional challenges without fear of judgment.
In her interview with Village Voice News, Rodney explained that she had learned of President Ali’s visit and saw it as both a business opportunity and a chance to highlight her mental health initiative. Her aim was simple: to raise awareness about the programmes she had worked hard to develop. She posted flyers, advertised the president’s visit, and invited the public to join in the event. Unfortunately, the invitation sparked an intense reaction from members of the Guyanese opposition community, who picketed the venue in protest.
The picket was a wake-up call for Rodney, who had not anticipated the depth of political division that ran within the diaspora. “I was surprised by the response,” she confessed. “I invited the president because he was in the area, not for political reasons. I believe in dialogue, and this is a perfect example of how political differences can divide people.” While some community members stopped frequenting her business following the protest, Rodney noted that most of them returned after a short period. “None of my fellow Guyanese ever threatened my business, and I felt safe throughout it all,” she added.
Despite the tension, Rodney believes that the incident ultimately served a greater purpose by shining a light on the deeper divisions within the Guyanese community. She expressed no regrets about inviting President Ali, feeling that it opened up necessary conversations. “I think sometimes, we avoid these conversations. But when we face them head-on, we can find common ground,” she said.
While the political fallout garnered much attention, it was also a catalyst for the expansion of Rodney’s community programmes. Her mental health initiative, along with upcoming workshops on financial and digital literacy, has seen an outpouring of support from both individuals and organisations. “People have volunteered, donated, and even offered to help facilitate parts of the programme,” Rodney shared, emphasising that these community-driven contributions were essential in keeping her vision alive.
The “Chill & Chat” mental health programme, which began in October 2024, allows participants to engage in open conversations with therapists. Over several sessions, the programme will guide attendees through practical strategies for managing life’s challenges, fostering a sense of unity and support. Rodney has also extended her plans to include workshops aimed at improving digital literacy, which is crucial in an increasingly tech-driven world, especially for the older generations of the diaspora.
Rodney’s initiative does not end with workshops. She envisions a permanent space where the diaspora can come together, relax, and recharge their mental health batteries. “I believe mental health is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world,” she remarked. “We don’t take enough time to process our emotions. I want to change that.”
A further layer of complexity is added by her long-term goal of expanding these initiatives beyond New York. Rodney hopes to eventually bring her programmes back to Guyana, to address similar issues in her home country. “The trauma that many face in the Caribbean goes undiagnosed, and mental health remains a taboo subject. It’s time we change that, both here and at home,” she stated.
Rodney said that her work is motivated by a strong sense of duty to both her heritage and her community. Her mother, Doris Rodney, was known for her activism and generosity, and Nola has continued that legacy by creating structured support systems for Guyanese people, both in the diaspora and at home. Through these efforts, she hopes to empower the community to be more active in addressing local concerns. “If you see something wrong in your area, don’t wait until it becomes a crisis. Get up, and do something about it,” she urged, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in the development of any community.
Reflecting on the challenges that have shaped her journey, Rodney remains focused on unity, even in the face of division. “At the end of the day, no matter where we stand politically, we all want what’s best for Guyana. It’s about finding common ground,” she said.
Rodney’s work serves as a reminder that, even amidst discord, it is possible to create spaces where understanding, support, and unity can flourish — if only we take the time to engage in conversation.