THE new multi-million-dollar Mahaica Children’s Home, at Mahaica Old Road, East Coast Demerara, was officially opened yesterday and handed over to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security by Digicel Guyana.

On hand to cut the ribbons jointly with the Digicel Guyana team was Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster, who lauded the initiative undertaken by the company to construct a large building for housing children.
She remarked that the design of the edifice is impressive, unique, pleasing and most suitable to house children.
The minister commended the work of Digicel Guyana Marketing Manager, Ms. Jacqueline James, for seeing the project through 10 months following the sod turning exercise on July 25, 2012.
She also conveyed the appreciation of President Donald Ramotar, who is overseas, but commended Digicel for partnering with the Government of Guyana for the undertaking.

Webster observed that the massive facility will accommodate more than 80 children and there are adequate caregivers but the Ministry, under the Child Services Act 2011, will establish a management board which will ensure that the Mahaica Children’s Home meets the minimum standard and also of day care services, to see that they are in adherence and compliance of the stipulations.

Exemplary work
She said, however, she is grateful to Digicel Guyana for the gesture and pleased with the design of the building which she describes as exemplary work by architect Marcel Gaskin.
Meanwhile, in brief remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Guyana, Mr. Gregory Dean

said that, during the Christmas season, a team would, usually, visit children’s homes in an effort to spread good cheer and it was recognised that many of these need a facelift.
With that in mind, he assured that they would be embarking on three such projects in which the Hararununi Girls Home will be refurbished in three to four months time, repairs to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre dining room and other parts of the building as well as refurbish the Help and Shelter building.
He stated that they are working in a systematic fashion to rehabilitate and repair the various children’s homes across the country to meet some form of satisfactory level where children can be comfortable.
Dean thanked James for her efforts in seeing the project through from the inception because her task was not easy but she did an excellent job owing to her skills.
Giving a background, James told the gathering that it all started around Christmas 2011 during a visit by a team form Digicel Guyana, including Curtis ‘Casual’ Armstrong.
It was recognised that the building was in dire need of repairs and they took some photos and contracted the services of architect Gaskin, who visited the location and advised that a new structure be constructed even after the existing one was repaired, including the roof.
She said they accepted the proposal and worked out the logistics with Gaskin and two other partners – R&D Engineering and Pattensen Surveyors – and, after a tendering process and numerous meetings, the construction began.
James said the design of the edifice was solely created by Gaskin and the erection started in July 2012.
Yesterday’s ceremony also saw prayers by representatives of three religious denominations before the the ribbons cutting by Minister Webster, James, Dean and staffers of the Ministry after which a tour was conducted.
The Mahaica Children’s Home is fully completed with all the furnishings are being utilised by 60 children from birth to 18 years of age.
The residence, previously a wooden structure, was in need of repairs when Digicel volunteered to replace it with a modern and sprawling concrete one.
The building is lavishly furnished with all basic amenities, including a library with computers and books, two dormitories to house 30 children each, a sick bay, recreation room, laundry area and a kitchen.

(By Michel Outridge)