As part of the exercises conducted by the United States Armed Forces Southern Command, New Horizons Exercise 2019, another community centre was commissioned at Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Thursday.
The newly commissioned community centre in Linden
This was in addition to a playground at Block 22, Wismar. The exercises were marked by official opening ceremonies attended by personnel from both the local and foreign Armed Forces, officials and residents.
Speaking on behalf of President David Granger, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon noted that the project is yet another outstanding representation of the excellent relations which exist between the United States of America and Guyana, as he pointed to the importance of community centres in bringing development to communities.
“The Government of Guyana holds that relationship which has existed since August of 1966 in the highest regard. Throughout this relationship, our counties have cultivated strong, stable and sound relations. Guyana and the United States of America are bounded by geography, history and friendship that are premised on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, respect for international laws and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security. The United States of America continues to be one of Guyana’s most significant trade and investment partners and we truly appreciate the many programmes which have contributed to our national development and to positive social change in our society”, Harmon explained.
Harmon further noted that assiduous work will ensure future activities in 2020 as he pointed out that conversations in this area are very important in bridging the gap between the length of time in which such projects are executed.
“…we are also looking at some of the things that our President holds very dear to him and that is the way in which we connect our people on the coast and our people in the hinterland…with the completion of three community centres, one at Yarrowkabra, Linden-Soesdyke Highway… and two in Linden…also completing a shelter for women…the Government of Guyana is committed to building resilient communities…”, he said.
Harmon also noted that community centres will contribute to the objective in providing a base in which the community can organise and educate.
This, he noted, will lead to the improvement in the quality of life of residents within the communities. Additionally, he said the project will make an indelible mark on communities where the centres are located.
The construction of the women’s shelter, which is located in Linden, he stated, should also be commended as he noted that it will aid in the protection, education, empowerment as well as serve a refuge for women. He noted that community centres should be used to promote development, entrepreneurship and enterprises as well as hubs for social, economic and cultural activities.
The centres, Harmon said, must also be properly managed and maintained in accordance with the vision of the Green State economy. He also thanked all involved in the initiatives.
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West in his remarks also extended gratitude to the United States military for improved bilateral relations, positing that the New Horizons 2019 team was able to achieve more through cooperation and coordination between militaries. He said the community centre building would have a huge impact on members of the society, more so for victims of abuse and domestic violence as he also extended gratitude to the Guyana Defence Force.
“Projects such as these benefit a wide cross-section of our society…many thanks to the Guyana Defence Force for its continued support and guidance…I want to say, from all perspectives, our Force will continue to benefit from shared interactions…and tangible manifestations and goodwill… I look forward to continued and deeper bilateral military relations to the benefit of both Forces and nations”, he noted.
Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arindell also pointed to the importance of the projects in the community as she underscored the impacts and benefits which they bring to the lives of the people in the community.
