THE Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) was, on Sunday last, commended for its vital contribution to the development of the Guyanese Muslim community as well as the nation.

Those commendations were expressed by all who were present at the official launch of Phases 1 & 2 of a four-phased, multi-million-dollar upgrading and expansion of Guyana’s leading Islamic centre and hub for international cooperation between the Muslims of Guyana and the rest of the world.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds emphatically stated his admiration for the work done at this venerable institution; and for the role that ACIC has played in the development of its facilities for the greater benefit of its membership and of those who use them.

He offered the Government’s support to institutions of this sort, and wished ACIC much success in the future.

Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger, also joined in expressing his pleasure at the recent additions to this famed centre in Guyana.

He said that he and Prime Minister Hinds were made Honorary Members of this institution many years ago, and he lauded all those who were involved in the successful completion of the projects.

President General of ACIC, Hakeem Khan, gave a detailed presentation of the projects designed to better serve the needs of the membership and the hundreds of persons who use those facilities each year.

The complex, which is also the centre of Sunni Islam in Guyana, is the venue of more than eighty per cent of the national Muslim programmes in Guyana, and is headquarters of several organisations and institutions both local and overseas.

Khan dedicated the centre to the past leadership of the complex, on whose hard work, dedication and sacrifices this current administration continues to build.

“Many Muslim institutions spend more than we are spending on creating facilities at their locations, but none of those are supported with the constant programmes and activities as those of ACIC.

“In fact”, he said, “ACIC is considered the foremost Islamic centre in Guyana, NOT because of its facilities and construction, but mainly because of the programmes and activities at ACIC.”

The first phase saw construction of a canopy on the western section of the Masjid, just off the main entrance to the Complex. It was done without injuring the beautiful architecture of the Mosque. This project also allows the area to be used as an extension of the Masjid when the capacity of the mosque is exhausted and persons have to pray or be seated outside of the masjid. A wheelchair ramp has been constructed to allow persons utilising wheelchairs to gain easy access into the masjid.

The second phase is the construction of a new annex for ladies praying at the complex. This facility is fully air-conditioned and carries a television monitor to allow the sisters to see the Imam/Khateeb at Juma Prayers and other activities held in the Masjid itself.

The 80% glass facility will also allow the annex to be used as part of the Lecture Hall for programmes, and sisters can be in the annex and yet be able to view any programme in the lecture hall, through the one-way glass or on the TV monitor.
Work commenced in February 2014, and has a final cost factor to ACIC of about $4.3M.

Khan expressed his deepest gratitude to the many persons and organisations who have supported the work programme, especially Uncle Farouk Amin and his wife, Bibi Anisha Amin; Abdool Imtiaz Azeez (Toeze) and family; Asif Iqbaul Alli and family; Ameer Ali & International Muslim Organisation of Canada (IMO); Sunnatul Masjid of Ontario, Canada and GUSIA.

Also mentioned were Munaf (Salim) Hussain and family; Imam Haleem Khan & family; Neezam Razack and family, and the substantial number of others. Khan also acknowledged the role of the young contractor, Nazir Alli, in producing a fantastic job.
Bringing messages on this occasion were Pastor Ronald Mc Garrell, Imam Haleem Khan (Noel), and Pandit Persaud. Toronto-based international recording female Qaseeda singers, Guyanese-born Nazima Hossain and her mother Sakina Hossain, were special guests at the “Shukrana (Thanksgiving) Programme” on Sunday, and thrilled the large audience with their popular renditions.

Qaseedas were rendered by little Irshad Ameer Khan; Rayfan and Arfan Azeez; and Mohamed Shahid and Rafeek Khan.

ACIC works very closely with Guyana’s oldest Islamic organisation, and only Muslim organisations recognised by Parliament — the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA or SADR) and all of its programmes are held jointly with the GUSIA.

Most local and international scholars visiting Guyana have spoken from the podium at ACIC, and it has been blessed with the presence of some of the greatest Sunni scholars ever to visit this country, among whom are His Eminence Maulana Dr. Hisham Kabbani and Maulana Dr. Waffee Mohammed.

ACIC is one of the few such institutions in Guyana which produce and circulate publicly, their financial statement each year. In addition, its facilities have always been open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, and it shares a good relationship with all Islamic organisations in Guyana, as well as all other religious groups. The programmes and activities at this Complex are second to none in Guyana, and ACIC is one of the few institutions that are equipped with floodlights for the playing of outdoor games at night.
Written By Alex Wayne