-donations worth $5M
SEVERAL families who lost their homes in fires and service providers seeking to make a positive impact within their various communities, in East Berbice/Corentyne, were beneficiaries of a $5M donation recently. Compliments of Food for the Poor (FFP) Guyana Inc., in collaboration with St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD), they received the gifts at Port Mourant, Corentyne.
At the handing-over ceremony, President of SFCD, Mr. Alex Foster said his organisation, which is representing the interest of FFP, attempts to reach the most disadvantaged while seeking to empower the poor, needy, physically and mentally challenged.
Among the recipients were the New Amsterdam and Upper Corentyne Technical Institutes and GuySuCo Training Centre, which, individually, got 20 dozens working gloves, 125 overalls and basic office supplies.
Four social service providers received a total of 30 computers to enhance their ability to offer Information Communication and Technology (ICT) knowledge at Corriverton, Kildonan, Eversham and Fyrish, all at Corentyne.
The other organisations are Albion Chapel Community Centre and Playschool, Turn Your Life Around, Eversham Community Developers and the Amerindian Hostel.
At the midday function in the SFCD Annex, three of the families who suffered financial and material losses were high in praise for the non-governmental benefactors.
The families of Jasmati Jagdeo, of Alness Village;  Basmat Nagamootoo of Lancaster Village and Laxhmee Motilall, of Lot 110 High Reef, Albion were affected by conflagrations which reduced their respective homes to ashes during the month of November. Each family was presented with three mattresses, a table model gas stove, household and personal articles, among other items.

Very supportive
Foster reminded those gathered that the Guyana Relief Council (GRC), of which Mrs. Yvonne Hinds is the Chairperson, is also very supportive.
He said, despite assistance from the relevant agencies, he has recognised that there is need for persons to be educated on fire prevention, as it has been brought to his organisation’s attention that a similar number of families have experienced losses during the past week.
“People need to take better care of their possessions,” Foster stated.
Meanwhile, following a request, the Berbice Volleyball Association was given a folding table, six folding chairs and six volleyballs, which would enhance the sport in the region.
Additionally, eleven pre-school and playschool departments of the ‘Friends of St. Francis’ groupings were given television sets, soft toys, cleaning agents and games, with the aim of improving early childhood development. They got agricultural tools, as well.
Aid was given, too, to Skeldon Hospital, which is expected to host a Christmastime party for children and senior citizens in the Upper Corentyne area, shortly.
SFCD got 24 executive chairs, two executive conference tables and four bookshelves, which will be used to furnish the Japanese funded Regional Training Centre, the expected completion of which is scheduled for April.
Following the presentations, Foster took the opportunity to wish all the beneficiaries, on behalf of FFP Chairman Mr. Paul Chan-a-Sue and the executive, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.