AS part of celebrating continuous and reliable service to the people of Guyana from December 2008 to December 2013, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) invited the general public, all its employees and their children, and 25 children from D’Edward Village to participate in the company’s grand Christmas Tree Lighting Up on the lawns of the Administration Building at D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice on Thursday, December 05, at 17:00 hrs.Accordingly, the BBCI held a programme which included opening remarks by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Omadat Samaroo, wherein he emphasised that this Christmas Tree Lighting Up is the company’s first since it began commercial operation in December 2008. This, he mentioned, would be incorporated in the company’s calendar of activities, and would continue as a tradition in the years to come.

He mentioned Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, saying it is a widely observed holiday, celebrated generally on December 25th by millions of people around the world. Christmas is a time for giving, sharing and reaching out to family members, friends and others in need, which is a priority for BBCI, he said.

Other speakers included BBCI directors Ms. Gillian Burton and Mr. Cecil Kennard; Mr. Hilbert Foster, Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club; Mr. Bindranauth Bisnauth, Chairman of Region 5; Mr. David Armogan, Chairman of Region 6; Mr. Imran Saccoor, Public Relations Officer of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association; and Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, Executive Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority. In addition, carols were sung and Santa appeared to distribute toys to employees’ children and children of D’Edward and Rosignol Village.

The lighting up was attended by well in excess of five hundred (500) persons from all the administrative regions, particularly from Regions 5 and 6.
It was fun for the entire family. Free snacks and drinks were distributed to everyone.

The CEO said the BBCI commenced operating on December 23, 2008 under commission of former president, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. All categories of vehicle were allowed to transit the Bridge free of charge for 24 hours. The company continued in this generous path unto 2013, and each year saw an increase from the previous year.
The Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) not only plays the role of collecting tolls, facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the Retractor opening and under the High Span; but also discharges its corporate responsibilities and, more importantly, played an integral part in development of education and sports, supported national events, and made donations to charitable and non–charitable organisations in close proximity to the Bridge or in Regions 5 or 6.

The company had also sponsored events in other counties and as far as the hinterland. In the past, the company sponsored many events that benefited communities on both the eastern and western sides of the Berbice River. Now, for the year 2013, the company has so far received 101 public relations requests and managed to approve 94 of those requests, comprising sponsorships of Mashramani 2013 events, sponsorships of horse racing events, donations of trophies to various non–profit and educational institutions, facilitated tours of various schools, waived toll charges for tour buses, sponsored cricket tournaments, and made donations towards the Region 5 Cricket tournament and religious organisations, together with others too numerous to mention.