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This is the 12th year of the celebration and a number of activities have been planned, which will see most of them fitted into a one-week period that highlights the 121st anniversary of the town. The programme started last Sunday with a march-past and opening ceremony at Main and New Streets, a parade around the township and a cultural presentation.
The procession, which was led by the newly formed Cofono Band Corporation, began at approximately 16:00 hrs from in front of the New Amsterdam Secondary School and the salute was taken at the junction of Main and St. John Streets.
As the event took its course, among the many distinguished guests were Acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Irfaan Ali; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Derrick Cummings and Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green.
Delivering the feature address, Minister Ali said the ministry is financially committed to the town of New Amsterdam and will work not only to put Town Week 2013 on the calendar, but develop a special tourism package to promote and market it, in North America, to attract persons to come home for the occasion.
He said the government has fulfilled all its promises and commitment to developing Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam and stands committed to continue investment in and development of the New Amsterdam area.
SPECIAL PROJECT
Minister Ali said, under the Ministry of Tourism Small Business Development Fund, a special project will be launched in New Amsterdam for young entrepreneurs to allow the formation of new businesses and allow the empowerment of young people, which will create wealth.
He said Guyana needs to develop its human resource capacity and the New Amsterdam Town Council, working closely with the government, will be able to create a socio-economic plan for the township.
Ali said, in developing that plan, the government is seeking to train persons in various areas so that jobs can be created and those who are trained will be able to remain and work in their own areas, instead of having to leave their town for another to find employment opportunities.
So the New Amsterdam Strategic Development Plan will prevail to build the human resource in the town and bring about socio-economic changes, he said.
Ali said the government strongly supports the New Amsterdam Town Week activities and he encouraged the people of the town to help build and make their region the best.
A domino competition was held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall on Monday, and yesterday was set aside as Senior Citizens Day, when the intended beneficiaries were slated to be pampered and treated at the Penguin International Hotel.
Today will be the finals of the Impromptu Speech Competition involving primary Schools in the town.
It was planned that the Gospel Night will be held on Thursday in the New Amsterdam Town Hall, while, on Friday, a one-day netball competition is scheduled for the Drop-in-Centre Court.
Friday will be the town’s movie night at the Penguin International Hotel and Saturday will see the grand fair and exhibition from Main and Church Streets all the way to Stelling Road.
On the final day, Sunday, there will be a fun day at the All Saints Scots School.
The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) is expected to play a meaningful role in the Town Week activities.
Plans are on stream to erect an arch at a strategic point to welcome visitors to the New Amsterdam Town Day and many businesses have special promotions and giveaways during the week.
Coordinator of the Town Week is Ms. Norma Chesney and she can be contacted on telephone number 333-3055.
