Food For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Inc on Saturday commissioned a resource centre at Coomacka Mines, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice). The centre, which is the first of its kind in the remote community, is well equipped with about 20 sewing machines; eight computers (along with printers); a flat-screen TV and library materials. Residents, who came out in their numbers to the commissioning ceremony, noted that the centre would enhance the lives of youths in the area and was a step closer to accessing much-needed information via the Internet. Internet access for the computers is expected to be activated within the next few weeks. Neighbouring communities including Old England, Syberian, Three Friends and Yaribo, will also have access to the centre, which is also expected to provide skills training to women and youths.
The resource centre at Coomacka Mines, Region 10
Coomacka Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman Dexter Harding, in remarks at the opening, said that the initiative was birthed in 2014. The initiative was spearheaded by former villager Desiree Dan, who is attached to the FFTP Inc in Florida, and the contract was later executed by the CDC Chairman with additional help from community volunteers. Present at the ceremony were FFTP Inc (Guyana) CEO Kent Vincent; Chairman Paul Chan-A-Sue; who also made remarks; and Florida branch representative Brinaire Jean, who delivered the keynote address.
Eighty students of the Coomacka Primary School also received school haversacks equipped with stationery and learning essentials. The resource centre building will be managed and supervised by an elected 13- member Steering Committee, which was put in place by villagers and is headed by David Adams. Harding said the Committee, which was answerable to the CDC and the people of the community, was also mandated to execute health and social-related training workshops inside the building. He said a section of the hall which can accommodate approximately 150 persons would be rented for seminars and social activities to offset expenses. (Utamu Belle)
