FIFTY students from various schools across Region 6 were recipients of bicycles from the Government of Guyana. The distribution was part of President David Granger’s 3Bs initiative, and the bicycles were donated by Peter Lewis and family of Associated Construction Services.The distribution was done at Scottsburg, Corriverton; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s residence at Whim Village; Fyrish Skills Training Centre; and at Glasgow Community Centre ground in Greater New Amsterdam.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, speaking at the handing over ceremony, said the gesture is a vision of the President, who wants to ensure that each child has access to education and opportunities.

“We are particularly happy to be doing this distribution in your community. This is a project of the President, a vision of seeing every child in school and having every child getting equal access to education in Guyana.

“Because of poverty and inequality, we have a lot of dropouts in school, we have many who do not have the opportunity to go to school, and so our President has decided to embark on this initiative, called the 3Bs project, meaning boats, buses and bicycles.”

Minister Ally urged recipients to take good care of the bikes and at the same time practice safety while riding.

“We believe everyone should have equal opportunities, and so the equal opportunities are across the board. That is why our boys and girls will be beneficiaries of the project. I want you to know, while you are getting bicycles today, (that) you are fortunate. I want to say to you 9that) you need to care these bikes and ride bearing in mind safety.”

First Lady Sandra Granger, during her address to the gathering, implored the students to consider the importance of education and Government’s commitment to ensuring that opportunities are available.

“Government is making this effort to ensure that you get to and from school safely and as part of getting an education. The next thing is to take advantage of all your educational opportunities; whatever you want to become in life, make sure you learn enough so you can be the best at anything, and your Government will help you get there.”

Minister Ally, whose ministry has responsibility for the 3Bs project, said it will continue throughout the country, so that each child who is in need will be afforded the opportunity to receive a bicycle.

Ally noted that Peter Lewis also pledged to donate a bus to the region, and she said this will aid in transporting students to school. Another 50 bicycles are expected to be distributed to the region in February.

Several regional officials were also present at the distribution exercise, including Regional Health Officer Jevon Stephens; Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud; CEO of New Amsterdam Hospital, Colin Bynoe; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Anette Ferguson.