–$3M refurbishment being undertaken
THE newly-formed Plaisance/Sparendaam/ Goedverwagting Development Association has commenced another community development project in the village of Plaisance, where over G$3M is expected to be expended on refurbishing the Plaisance/Sparendaam Friendly & Benefit Society Hall. When renovated, this facility is expected to house a library and computer room, and will provide a multi-purpose hall to accommodate a number of activities that will develop members of the community.
This project is being funded through donations from two organisations and sales from a book published by one of the villagers, Ms. Beryl Haynes.
Ms. Haynes’s book on the history of Plaisance netted sales that were matched by the overseas-based Plaisance/New York Fund-raising Committee, by Eddie Grant, and by the Bumbury brothers — Leslie and Ivor.
The Citizens’ Security Programme of the Ministry of Home Affairs made an intervention which will provide furniture at the facility for the library and computers for the computer room, to assist schoolchildren with their numerous assignments.
The Plaisance/Sparendaam Friendly and Burial Society was formed on June 1, 1950 by fourteen (14) dedicated and committed villagers, whose vision was to enhance and develop the lives of villagers by offering them an avenue which would undoubtedly bring financial, medical, practical, and moral support to the community.
On March 3, 1954, the Society was registered under the Friendly Society’s Act; the registered office was the Plaisance Village Office, on the East Coast of Demerara in the then Colony of British Guiana.

The objectives of the Society were to provide from the subscriptions of members:
(a) Relief during sickness.

(B Death Benefit to be paid to all financial members.

(c) A dividend to be paid every year on the 21st. December (Christmas Bonus)

The Society’s membership blossomed; almost every household had members in the Society. The Society’s executives were held in high esteem, and their conduct reflected those qualities. To become a member, written application was necessary, and the good character and sound health of prospective members were deciding factors in granting membership.
An entrance fee of thirty-six (36) cents was payable on application, and each member was required to make weekly contribution of 16 cents, increasing over the years to 24 cents. Full membership was acquired after six (6) consecutive months of financial status had been achieved.
Members had to attain the age of 16 years for entry, and could not be older than 55 years. The Society also had a Juvenile section with members aged from three to 15 years old, who were subject to the same rules and regulations as adults, and were entitled to one-half of the benefits enjoyed by adults.

Workmen busy executing various stages of refurbishment on the Plaisance/Sparendaam Friendly & Benefit Society Hall

Over time, Plaisance had two (2) Friendly Societies — the Plaisance/Sparendaam, and the Good Fellowship Friendly Society. This was due to the vibrancy of the firstnamed group, and the demand for the services provided.
Societies played an integral part in village life, and their much-anticipated events were highlights on the village calendar.
The annual fundraising events of train and boat excursions, backdam picnics (with mules pulling the punts through the waterways in the backlands), raffles, dances, tea parties, and other social events gave villagers a sense of togetherness and loyalty.
Proceeds from those activities boosted the dividends payable for the Christmas Bonus.
The Society operated a loan scheme where loans were available to members; one-half of the death benefit could be accessed as a loan fund.

One of the most important aspects of the Society, especially for the senior members, was the ‘Death Benefit’. Older folks ensured that on their demise money would be available for their burial. This was paid to the person named by the deceased.
With rapid expansion of its membership, the Society’s executives had the foresight to acquire their own building, hence the birth of ‘Society Hall’ as it is known by all villagers. This building was the centre of social activities, hosting weddings, parties, church events, wakes, sport activities and other forms of cultural and social forums.
On April 20, 1967, the erection of the ‘Society Hall’ became a reality. The acquisition of the land and the construction of this now ‘Heritage’ building south of the Railway Embankment (backdam) on Prince William Street was a hub of activity.
Over the years, the death of its members and the non-functioning of the society caused the building to be left unmaintained, and it fell into disrepair. Today, the Society Hall is being given a new lease on life, and the resuscitation of this much-loved, much-reminisced-about legacy will now be handed down to another generation. When completed, this building will house a resource centre, besides being a cultural venue and a multipurpose centre for the village of Plaisance.