By Francis Quamina Farrier
THE Peace Corps of America is now observing its 60th anniversary. Those like myself who have had a long association with that American humanitarian organisation are taking stock. We are analysing how much the organisation has contributed to Guyana and, if we can, to other countries around the world where they work. As a journalist, I have had the opportunity to cover and write several feature and news articles on Peace Corps activities in Guyana, for the print and electronic media over the past three decades. I was fortunate also, to visit the headquarters of the Peace Corps in Washington, DC, in the USA on four occasions, and hear from the top brass their ongoing plans for the contributions by volunteers who come to Guyana and serve with dedication and distinction. I was further privileged to meet and see some Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana, one of the 60 countries where they also serve, principally in education and health.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps a decade ago, I was commissioned to produce a short documentary on the work of the Peace Corps in Guyana. From that research, I found out that Peace Corps volunteers are usually young adults. However, I met a few who were mature persons, who were at a stage in their lives when they could put a pause on what might be considered ‘normal’ at their age and serve as Peace Corps volunteers for two years. Two of them were a married couple. Serving in countries and communities which were far removed from what they were accustomed to give volunteers a great measure of satisfaction and accomplishment.

The film documentary, which I produced on the occasion of the 50th anniversary, showing the many activities of the Peace Corps here in Guyana, was a joy for me.  A special screening of that documentary was held at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston, Georgetown, and was attended by a cross-section of the society.

So how did the Peace Corps come about? It was an on-the-spot idea by President John F Kennedy while he was in discussion with some young adults. That was 60 years ago, and the Peace Corps continues to grow and serve. There have been some setbacks, such as violence visited on some volunteers. Nonetheless, the organisation continues to do its work undeterred here in Guyana and around the world. No doubt President John Fitzgerald Kennedy has left a lasting legacy in over 60 countries around the world.