FORMER Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ms Bibi Shariman Ali symbolically handed over the keys to the gate erected on a newly constructed concrete bridge that lead to the cemetery in that area to Chairman of the Beterverwagting/ Triumph Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Bruce Adams. 

Ms Ali, who hails from Leonora, West Coast of Demerara, made the presentation on behalf of the Ali family: her husband Mohamed Osman Ali, retired headmaster; and her sons Mohamed Aqtar Ali and Irfaan Ali, Minister of Housing and Water. She explained that her family is of the view that everyone deserves a respectful burial, hence the construction of the bridge.

This presentation was made in presence of Director of Education of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Shaikh Moen-ul-Hack, and other members of the Muslim community.

Constructed at a cost of $900,000., the bridge will allow for easy access to the BV/Triumph Muslim Cemetery by residents from BV, Triumph, Mon Repos and Success on the East Coast of Demerara. It was constructed to accommodate members of the Islamic community as, prior to commissioning, access to the cemetery was gained from the eastern side of the road, which was hectic.

Ms. Ali explained that the project was conceived and executed mainly because Muslims in particular believe that their loved ones must be buried in a clean environment. She noted that persons should change the culture in the way the cemeteries are maintained.
“We already know that family members are suffering mentally and emotionally (from loss of) their loved ones, so we decided to construct the bridge to facilitate easy access to the cemetery,” Ms Ali said.

Shaikh Moen-ul-Hack expressed appreciation to the Ali family for this significant gesture, which will be of great benefit to residents of that community. He said that such projects which demonstrate kindness to others are highly recommended.

The Ali family, which has contributed more than 120 years to public service, embarked on this charitable project as their initial step in the execution of similar projects in various communities.

(GINA)