BLACKBUSH, Guyana – THE Navy’s Project Handclasp programme, in conjunction with Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Mid Continent Packaging, will donate items valued over US$132,000 to Guyanese in the New Amsterdam region during the U.S. Navy’s Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10) mission in Guyana. Two Project Handclasp donations will be made outside the Corentyne School, in Blackbush, Guyana – one of three CP10 engineering sites.
The first portion of the 26 pallets was handed over yesterday and the balance will be provided on Monday, Oct. 25, next.
Specifically, the programme will deliver: 14 pallets of medical and quality of life supplies worth US$39,689.62, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; six pallets of medical consumables worth US$93,750, from Project Cure; one pallet of water filters from Rotarians, worth US$1,000: two pallets of disinfectant from Mid Continent Packaging and three pallets of backpacks and teddy bears from Give a Kid a Back Pack and Loving Hugs, Inc.
On Friday, Give a Kid a Back Pack will distribute 498 back packs and teddy bears at two Blackbush area schools.  The Port Mourant Primary School, will deliver 392 back packs and teddy bears to students in Grades One to Six and 106 will be handed out at Ankerville Nursery School.
CP10 is a Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) mission that delivers medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support services and partners with host nations on Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs). This is the third year the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) has brought CP10 to Guyana.   
“This mission is about the continued promise of partnership between the United States and host nations,” said CP10 Commodore Capt. Thomas Negus, USN.
“It is about building and sustaining relationships in the interest of better cooperation and collaboration when disasters hit, and we are thrilled to be on the coast of Guyana. Everyone has been so welcoming and we are honored to bring Continuing Promise to the area for a third year.”