REGIONAL Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Carl Parker, has expressed gratitude to Food for the Poor for their “massive” support to the region.
Parker said that the organisation continues to be a diligent and faithful supporter of projects and programmes taking place within the region, thus readily providing assistance to make them a reality. He noted that his office and the non-governmental charitable organisation have established an excellent relationship which continues to bear fruit.

“Food for the Poor [has been] augmenting the budget of the region with their support and assistance and we continue to be very grateful for this as they are helping us to achieve our set goals and objectives,” he said.
According to Parker, the region has received two dental chairs, which he said will enhance their ability to provide improved services in the area of dental health.

“One of these chairs will be used in Lethem, while we had intended to use another at St. Ignatius; however, we had originally budgeted to construct a health centre there, but we didn’t get through, so unfortunately we would no longer be sending the other chair to St Ignatius,” he said.
He added, “We would have to send the other one to a larger health centre at another location and maybe train someone in the community as a dental technician, thus better being more effective to the residents there.”

The REO noted that the region was also a recipient of several mattresses donated by Food for the Poor. The mattresses were distributed to both Annai and St Ignatius Secondary Schools. Additionally, they also received a number of bookshelves and chest-of-drawers, which have boosted the comfort of many of the students who resides in the dorms.
“I am happy to say that the dorms are now more equipped with several of the chest-of-drawers and bookshelves, which will enhance the comfort for many of the students,” Parker said.

The REO pointed out that some 40 beds which were discarded, are now back in the dorms and are being used by students.
“This will help in providing better accommodation for the students, as it will help in making them (students) more comfortable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the region has also received four computers which are solar-powered and were distributed to Mururana in the South Rupununi, Parasharri situated in Central Rupununi, Aranaputa in the North and the South Pakaraimas.

“These solar-powered computers would help in enhancing the residents with [sic] computer-related skills. They are benefiting from an opportunity to advance their computer skills and knowledge.”
The region has also received mechanical tillers which were given to farmers in Quarrie in the Central Rupununi and Moco Moco. The REO noted that four sewing machines were given to the women’s group from Aishalton, while an assortment of food and seeds were given to several villages in the Rupununi.
A number of toys were also distributed to children in the villages of Culvert City, St Ignatius, Tabatinga and Lethem.