THE efforts being pursued by Guyana Relief Council (GRC) was yesterday bolstered with a donation of $1M from Guyana Goldfields Incorporated (GGI).

A statement from the entity, on the Toronto Stock exchange, said the money is to be be used where appropriate to

Mr. Patrick Sheridan, CEO of Guyana Goldfields, second from left, hands over the cheque to Mrs. Barbara Walrond from the GRC. With them are GRC stakeholders. ( Photo by Adrian Narine)

assist with rehabilitation of persons affected by disasters of any kind, as well as those in urgent need of assistance countrywide.

The GRC, which relies exclusively on the voluntary skills and time of its functionaries and other stakeholders, expressed gratitude for the contribution.

GGI has been exploring in the Cuyuni since 1996 and, during that time, has introduced new technologies for environmentally friendly mining exploration, the release said.

Recognising its role, as a corporate citizen, GGI said it previously made other similar donations.

Yesterday, too, St. Cuthbert’s Mission was presented a cheque for a community project and GGI said it is one of the first companies to provide support for the fight against HIV/AIDS and is particularly interested in literacy remedial.

The release said the company is in the process of establishing a library at Itabali Community Centre, where it has also hosted Christmas parties for several years and supported 170 students there.

GGI said, this week, two persons will be provided with librarian training at the National Library, so as to deliver quality service to Itabali.

It announced that its next venture will be a partnership with the Anglican Church which donated land to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

GGI, the NDC and local residents will be utilising the plot to erect a 13 feet high marble monument, called ‘Monument of Hope’, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Bartica massacre two years ago.

The release said it is the company’s long term plan to be supportive of communities in close proximity to its operations, as well as selected causes which benefit the underprivileged.