OVER 50 senior citizens and single mothers were treated to a hearty lunch last July 29 at the Windsor Forest Community Centre, West Coast Demerara, compliments of the Windsor Forest New York Association.
At the end of the formal ceremony each resident also received a gift.
According to Ms. Savitri Singh, a former resident of Windsor Forest who spearheaded the activity, the idea was conceptualised many months ago. She told the gathering that she felt extremely happy that her life-long dream has materialised. Noting the poor and needy must be taken cared of, Singh said that the response by the elderly was really and truly gratifying.
Singh, a former teacher who migrated to the United States some 25 years ago, said that she felt compelled and honoured to give back to her place of birth and also expressed the hope that others would follow in her footsteps.
Meanwhile, the Association has announced that the grand reunion and fun day will take place today and tomorrow at the community centre ground, starting at 11:00h each day.
According to President of the Association, Shafie Ramjan, the two-day programme would see residents taking part in egg and spoon race, three-legged race, blind fold race, sack (bag) race, bicycle race, swimming race, athletics and other novelty races. He also pointed out that soft ball cricket and dominoes would be the main attractions on Sunday.
Ramjan said that trophies and medals would be awarded to the winners and runners-up of each race.
Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Chairman Julius Faerber is listed to deliver an address at the official opening of the programme.
Ramjan also disclosed that the top 20 pupils (of the Windsor Forest Primary School) at the last National Grade Six Assessment would receive a bursary award of $20,000 each.
Noting that computer science is a modern tool in education, Ramjan stated that the official opening of the computer lab at the Windsor Forest Primary School would be done on Saturday also.
He also stated that a special award for meritorious service would be given to the Overseer of the village, Mr. Hardat Hardial, who celebrated his 60th birthday last Saturday.
Questioned on his organization’s future plans for the village of his birth, Ramjan said that the painting of the seawall from Windsor Forest to Ruimzeight and the establishment of a computer lab at the community centre are two immediate projects which are in the pipeline.
Ramjan stated that he is heartened by the support and enthusiasm of former villagers who reside overseas and have contributed and continue to contribute in giving back to their community.
He said that over 100 overseas-based villagers (from Windsor Forest) have arrived for the grand reunion and fun day.
Public Relations Officer of the Association, Nazar Mustapha recalled that the reunion concept was brainchild of the organisation and the first reunion was held in New York 20 years ago.
He noted too that even though it would be the first in Windsor Forest the Association has the distinction of hosting the event for 20 consecutive years in New York.
“I am proud that we have been able to rekindle the spirit of togetherness, love and peace among our fellow villagers. We hope that this event would inspire our people in Windsor Forest to foster better relationships among themselves,” Mustapha said. (Region Three Release)