Region 10 riverine schools get life jackets from MARAD
Public Relations Officer of MARAD, Akousa Mc Pherson, presenting a life jacket to Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian
Public Relations Officer of MARAD, Akousa Mc Pherson, presenting a life jacket to Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian

SCHOOLS in riverine areas of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) have benefited from life jackets donated by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.This latest distribution has seen 96 children’s life jackets being handed over to Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian, and this donation will benefit pupils from the Malali Primary and other schools in the lower riverine areas.

Sharmin Grey, a teacher of the Muritaro Primary School, receiving a life jacket from MARAD's Public Relations Officer, Akousa Mc Pherson
Sharmin Grey, a teacher of the Muritaro Primary School, receiving a life jacket from MARAD’s Public Relations Officer, Akousa Mc Pherson

Twelve adult life jackets were also handed over to the Muritaro Primary School, to complement what was previously handed over, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) has said.

Akosua McPherson, MARAD’s Public Relations Officer, in handing over the life jackets to Morian, indicated that this donation is to ensure the children’s safety on the waterways.
“Whilst we distributed a few life jackets before to some of the schools, we have noticed that more were needed for the children…it is hoped that they (the children) can be safe, whilst travelling to and from school in their boats,” McPherson explained.

Sharmin Grey, a teacher of the Muritaro Primary School, which received a dozen adult life jackets for the teachers, expressed gratitude for the donation, which she said is not only timely, but needed. “A number of times we have boat accidents…the life jackets will help both the teachers and children to be (safer) on the waterways…. A set was given before, which went directly to the children…some from this batch will go to teachers, as they, too, traverse the waterways,” Grey indicated.

The Kartabo, Makouria, Holy Name, and Itaballi Primary schools have also recently benefited from the MARAD life jacket distribution campaign. Schools in the Region One area will soon benefit from this campaign.

MARAD Consultant John Flores, President of the Volleyball Association, also used the opportunity to donate a number of volleyballs and nets to Region 10. He indicated that during Heritage Month activities, a request was made to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs for such a contribution, along with a closer networking with the region to develop the sport of volleyball.

“I’m here to give you an impetus in terms of getting games organised for you. I have a plan at the federation level to get out to the rural communities as much as possible…. This donation covers two categories of balls — one for children and another for adults,” Flores explained.

He added that volleyball is a cheap game and an ideal community sport, and other such distributions were made to Buxton, Plaisance, and other communities countrywide.

Regional Chairman Morian indicated that he wants to see sports further developed and advanced in Region 10, as this region is not comprised of Linden alone. “I’m thinking about Kwakwani, Rockstone, River’s View, Ituni…the youths in all those areas…. We recall days when Linden was at the top of the map as it relates to sports; and whilst that has died, over the past few years, there is a resurrection of sports in Region 10. And with support from such organisations as yours, I know for sure we can take sports in Region 10 to the next level,” Morian asserted.

 

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