‘For the people, reaching out to the people’
Welcoming the largest floating book fair to Guyana, Acting President Samuel Hinds Thursday declared open the event and said the onboard experience will provide a new impetus for change and acceptance of change among the Guyanese people.

Crew members, in their national costumes. (Photos by Vanessa Narine)

Some 400 crew members from 45 countries arrived Wednesday on the new Logos Hope whose legs are bestriding the Caribbean on its maiden voyage to the region.

The ship, open from midday Friday, brings with it over half a million books on an array of subjects such as science, sports, hobbies, cookery, the arts, economics, medicine, dictionaries, languages, philosophy and faith.

Several conferences and seminars are to be facilitated on board, ranging from focus on training for leaders, couples counselling, as well as parents and youth forums.

Docked at Port Georgetown at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) Waft on Lombard Street visitors to the ship are asked only for an entrance fee of $60.

Opening hours are:
* Monday through Saturdays: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm;

* Sundays: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm;

* Early bird discount: Thursday, 26th through Saturday 28th; and

* Last opening day: Sunday, 13th December.

The watchwords for the mission, same as it was in previous years, are ‘Bringing knowledge, help and hope’.

Additionally, approximately 180 crew members separated in 21 teams will fan out into different communities on different ‘Community Help Projects’.

Books on board the Logos Hope.

To this end, the Acting President said, “Logos Hope is a micro-community that represents what a larger community should and can be.”

Alluding to the diverse cultural background on board the vessel, Hinds added that Guyana also consists of groups from many diverse backgrounds and also endeavours to work together.

He lauded the vision of the Logos Hope team that sees them extending equal opportunity for knowledge to all, expressing love in a practical way, promoting peace, embracing diversity, inspiring faith and restoration of relationships as well as guiding people towards a purposeful life.

“We want to applaud Logos Hope for showing this to the world,” the Acting President posited, “…despite their differences, the crew of Logos Hope love and respect one another and work together to serve the people at each port of call.”

Hinds also addressed the issue of poverty, noting those caught in its grip suffer not only from inadequate finances, but from lack of lack basic education and health care, and they need to break out of poverty’s vicious cycle.

Home of the world’s largest floating book fair, Logos Hope.

In this regard, he lauded the efforts of Logos Hope in responding to the needs of the poverty stricken and called for other organisations to follow this example.

He said it is hoped that Guyanese, meeting and interacting with those on board, will be inspired.

“Logos Hope will positively impact our city by providing quality literature at a reasonable price for the people; reaching hundreds of children and youth with uplifting and educational programmes; expressing practical love and giving aid to those in need; and making lasting friendships with the friendly people of Guyana,” Hinds said.

The latter point, emphasising the people factor, was expounded on by several of the crew members who said people were the centre of all their efforts.

The general concurrence was that the Logos Hope mission is not only about reaching out to people, but about having them return the sentiment: it is for the people, about the people, to help the people.

Acting President Samuel Hinds cuts the ceremonial ribbon as he officially declared the Logos Hope experience open. On his left and right are Mr. Gian Walser and Captain Dirk Colenbrander.

Captain Dirk Colenbrander, Master, Logos Hope, pointed out that the effort to make Logos Hope seaworthy was made possible by people, over 3,000 volunteers that supported the advancement of the mission.

He added that the primary message of the ship is hope.

The Director of Logos Hope, Mr. Gian Walser, reiterated these sentiments and added that Logos Hope’s message is reflected in its name.

“The Logos Hope is more than a ship. The Logos Hope is more than books, even though it is what we are most well known for. The Logos Hope is a vision to make a difference in the world,” Walser said.

Supporters of the Logos Hope’s mission in Guyana include Habitat for Humanity, the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, churches and non-governmental organizations, as well as Ming’s Services, Republic Bank Limited and Digicel.

The Logos Hops mission operation is classified as a non-profit organisation and is based in Germany.

Since 1970 the ships, Logos, Logos II and Logos Hope, have made visits to over 1,350 ports in 158 countries, welcoming over 39 million visitors.

In their efforts to bring knowledge, help and hope, Logos Hope’s ultimate aim is to transform lives and communities