–thanks to the sterling efforts of the Balkarrans, Raghubars and Lilly Construction

OVERSEAS-based Guyanese couple Deonarine and Pam Balkarran recently joined with Lilly Construction Firm and the Raghubar Family to establish a crematorium at Crabwood Creek (CWC), Corentyne, Berbice in Region 6.

The $4M facility, located behind the cemetery, will bring relief to the residents of CWC and neighbouring villages, since the only accessible crematorium on the Upper Corentyne is located at Number 66 Village, some distance away from Crabwood Creek.
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Faizal Jaffarally, who officially commissioned the crematorium following a Hindu religious ceremony, took the opportunity to commend the

Balkarrans of Canada for their input in the development of their homeland.
“On behalf of the PPP/Civic Government, I say thank you for making this project a reality. Without your contribution and commitment, we would not have achieved this. You have demonstrated by your words and actions that you have love for your community, country and humanity,” he declared.
Jaffarally then called on the wider society to applaud the families that made the project a reality. He added: “In this context, we can describe the project as a “PPP” one; and by that I mean a public/private project, where people co-operated with the Crabwood Creek Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to develop a facility (from which) the entire community will benefit.”
Vibrant management committee
The MP noted that the project is testimony to community enhancement, and he called for a vibrant management committee to run the facility. “Not only (is the) establishment of this facility important, but sustainability is the key element. I urge the donors, NDC and the wider community to manage this crematorium in an effective and efficient way,” he said.
He concluded his remarks by pledging to approach the relevant authorities to have the access road to the crematorium fixed during the course of the year.
Pandit Dave Sahadeo, who represented the CWC N.D.C in his address, highlighted the initial difficulties in executing the project, and pointed out that it was the determination of the stakeholders that prevailed over the odds.
“We at the NDC persevered to make this project a success. We truly appreciate the efforts of our donors. I would like to declare publicly that all funds donated towards this project were properly managed, and we pledge to upkeep this facility in the best of ways,” he assured.
Deonarine Balkarran, in his brief address, said he and his wife had always wanted to do something meaningful in their home community, and they saw the crematorium project as a fitting way to “give back’ to the village.
“Thanks to the Raghubars for donating the land, and Rakesh of Lilly’s Construction for starting the project. May Lord Krishna bless you all,” he invoked.

(Michael Khan)