Miami FFP top brass praises local staffers delivery
EXECUTIVES of Food For the Poor (FFP), Miami Inc., have commended local staff members for being organised, tactful and transparent in the delivery process. The visitors offered the commendation during a visit to Berbice, last week, to analyse the charitable disbursement to the agriculture-based community.
International Operations Manager, Mr. Javier Ramirez had, earlier, visited 12 FFP beneficiaries across East Berbice where he, along with Director of the Gifts and Kind Department (U.S.), Mr. Mark Khouri; Mr. Jameel Davis, Manager Gift and Kind Department (Guyana) and Mr. Alex Foster, FFP local distributor and President of St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD), had seen how the projects empowered many persons.
The group had gone to All Saints Presbyterian Developmental Centre and Albion Chapel Centre, Fyrish, Corentyne, at which, both hosts pre-played school and life skills training; the information technology (IT) laboratory at New Amsterdam Multilateral School; New Amsterdam Hospital and the Regional Health Authority (RHA)-three beneficiaries of medical support.
They also went to the Amerindian Student Hostel at Corriverton, Corentyne, that supports interior students/indigenous villages; Eversham Community Developers that empowers women; Felix Austin Police Training College, an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF); Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club; Berbice Cricket Board – all recipients of sports gears; as well as St. Francis Community Developers – the coordinator and training complex for grassroots developers.
During the tour, a digital multi-media reading room, that is a pilot project, was commissioned at Central Corentyne Secondary School, Bush Lot Village and an economic venture, in the form of a chicken farm, was launched for single parents at Limlair, at Corentyne, too.
Expressed pleasure
Khouri expressed pleasure at knowing that the goods sent from abroad are delivered to those who are in need.
While noting that the exercise is not a handout, he told those who benefit that the gesture is to help them to help themselves, their brothers and sisters and community.
“I am extremely proud and am looking to fast forward my next visit,” Khouri declared.
Davis pledged continued support and described Berbice as a proactive Region where coordination efforts are needed.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. David Armogan, speaking during an interactive session at St. Francis Annexe Restaurant, Port Mourant, on Wednesday, observed that FFP has been contributing more than other agencies in its bid to assist the Government, which cannot meet the needs of all its peoples.
Highlighting the impact of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) in the country, he said:”I have gone to a number of villages and areas and seen the work of Food for the Poor touching every community where there are needs.”
Armogan said every news medium has highlighted that the entire Guyana is aware of the work of FFP.
“The name Leon Davis is a household name, whether it’s in the hinterland or at Bara Cara, Food  for the Poor is known,” Armogan acknowledged.
Praising the stewardship of Foster and expressing gratitude, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, the Regional Chairman told the overseas visitors:”You have an able foot soldier in Mr.Foster. I have seen many organisations and, administratively, the monies are not channeled where they are needed. But here the monies go where needed. It does not build big houses. It goes where it is needed.”
Armogan added:”We will continue to need your assistance for a long time to come. We will continue to look to you for support in other areas. So, on behalf of the Government of Guyana and the residents of Region Six, thank you.”
Foster observed that the presence of Armogan and Regional Education Officer, Ms. Shafiran Bhajan, who had divorced themselves from their busy schedules to grace the event with their presence, is testimony of the impact the organisation has on the academic, technical and other developments in the various communities.
Pledging loyalty and expressing thanks on behalf of the many beneficiaries, including fire victims, Foster said he believed that, in the long term, development and sustainability will not just empower persons but take leadership at the local level to new heights.