On with the task ahead, these volunteers’ work progresses.

A spanking new health centre in La Penitence, built through the philanthropic efforts of the New Horizons Guyana team, is scheduled to be commissioned on September 10th.

Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, in an invited comment, said that furnishings for the almost complete facility were secured by the Ministry of Health, which has also organised a full staff complement to man its operations.

Ramsaran pointed out that the staff members include two doctors, a Medex, nurses, staff-nurse midwives and other auxiliary personnel.

The centre will house a pharmacy, two examination rooms, three restrooms and a large reception/waiting area, which will also act as office space for administration.

Lieutenant Colonel Marvin Todd of the New Horizons team stated that they are privileged to give something back to humanity.

“It is a pleasure to present others with a place where they can access medical care in comfort,” he said. He explained that the efforts of the New Horizons programme were geared to improving the lives of Guyanese.

Junior Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, centre, interacting with members of the New Horizons Guyana team.

Currently there are several New horizons quality-of-life improvements projects ongoing, which have been undertaken at a cost of US$9M.

The New Horizons Guyana programme is one designed to strengthen U.S. ties with partner nations in Central and South America, through combined quality-of-life improvement projects.

Making these projects possible are American volunteer soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen participating in the New Horizons Guyana, a U.S. Southern Command exercise, on two week rotations.

The projects undertaken include:

* The renovation of a school building at Timehri on East Bank Demerara;

* The construction of a school house in Bel Air, Georgetown; and

* Eight medical assistance initiatives that see support at Timehri Primary School, the Diamond Secondary School and the Georgetown Public Hospital.