– members spread their ‘acts of  love’ during outreach to Santa Mission
RESIDENTS turned out in their numbers and made their presence felt at Santa Mission recently when the President and administrators of the recently formed United Federation for Arts and Culture  (UFAC) braved the inclement weather and made known their acts of love by donating much needed clothing to the residents gathered for the occasion. Led by its charismatic President, businessman Vishnu Bandhu, the Federation members spread their acts of love firstly by visiting the Handcraft Centre in Santa Mission and lending their financial support by purchasing artifacts that were on display at the Centre.
They also visited the school where the young children not only develop the art of reading and writing, but also the techniques which will make them worthy citizens as they participate in the development of the Santa Rosa community, located within the Mission.
Other members making up the Federation Team included Davindra Deodat, Programme Coordinator; Omesh Satyaad, Treasurer; Anthony Hazel, Secretary; Ms. Dhanrajie Hemraj, Organising Secretary; and Ms. Claudette Harry, a member.
The first positive move for the community was struck 154 years ago when it is believed that the first Amerindian set his foot in the area and began life there. Ever since, the community has produced men and women who have risen to the challenges posed to the residents in the several areas of production which have become part of the economic activities of the community.
The main output of the area is lumber and residents of Santa Mission continue to produce lumber which contributes significantly to the growth of the Guyanese economy and which makes the Guyana economy one which is outstanding. The Santa Mission community also contributes significantly to the building boom which has currently enveloped Guyana.
The community has grown into what may be described as a virtually self-reliant community through its  cultivation of vegetables, including ground provisions; its fishing, and the hunting carried out by its residents. According to the newly-elected Toshau, Mr. Aubrey Samuels, the 280-odd residents see themselves as an integral part of their community and are assured of their contribution as the community strives to make its impact on the growth of the Guyanese nation.
Leaders of the Community were encouraged by Mr. Bandhu to launch their cultivation on a much larger scale. He cited cattle cultivation among these challenges, and alluded to the amount of grass available in the area, while expressing the view that residents could even challenge the government to support them if they – the residents – get involved in the types of cultivation that would make the government supportive of their effort.
Further, Mr. Bandhu pledged his willingness to assist in any agricultural effort to boost the existing efforts being made within the community. He pointed to the need for residents to become more involved especially in the production of beans, including red beans and black eye.
Members of the United Federation for Art and Culture also visited the clinic of the community. At the clinic, a team of Medical Workers under Dr. Stephen Foo diagnosed and treated patients from various areas of the Mission. According to a statement from the Federation, the Medical Team tested and treated some 50 patients who suffered from various ailments.
Others making up the Medical Team were Medex Sarah Daniel, Nurses Vanessa Debidin and Nadia DeFreitas. Together they worked late into the evening as they sought to bring relief to those who suffered from one illness or the other in the Santa Mission Community.
Complementing the effort were members of the ‘D’ Division Community Policing Group. This was part of the ‘D’ Division’s move to restart the Community Policing Group for the area. In addition, members of the group were instrumental in organising members of the community for the Policing Group and for the distribution of clothing.
Towels, clothing for men, women and children, blankets and other materials for babies, and clothing that fit other relevant distinctions were among the things taken by the team for distribution.
The members of the United Federation for Arts and Culture also visited the Aratak community farther downriver.  Though  it boasts only eight houses and about 25 residents, the persons making up the community have made a formidable impact on the logging industry.
During their visit to the Aratak community, members of the United Federation for Arts and Culture made a firm impact through their valuable distribution of clothing and bed linens to the community as well.