President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday handed over a newly rebuilt home to a Parikwarinau, Central Rupununi family – a project that was undertaken by his Men on Mission (MoM) syndicate in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Last month, fire destroyed the house which was occupied by 41-year-old Richard Gouveia, 31-year-old Carin Bernard, and their five children, whose ages range from one to 13 years.
President Irfaan Ali and other officials watch on as Carin Bernard and her family cut the ribbon to their new home
The MoM Initiative, in collaboration with the business community and other stakeholders, donated the materials and supplied the workforce for the project.
The couple, who has been living in the community for over a decade, said they were extremely happy and grateful to have a home again.
Region Nine’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Karl Singh, who led the project, had previously disclosed that MoM responded to the mother’s plea for assistance.
Construction commenced Saturday, March 25, and saw the involvement of the Departments of Education, Agriculture, and Public Works in the region, along with Police officers, the Lethem Town Council and private contractors.
MoM, the brainchild of President Ali, intends to construct 50 homes for vulnerable persons in all ten administrative regions, including the elderly, those living with disabilities, single parents, and victims of natural disasters. Since its launch in October last year, some 40 homes were constructed through this initiative to date.
It aims to tackle toxic masculinity and create a positive environment and safe space for men, promoting integrity, productivity and accountability through mentorship and humanitarian engagement.
The Government allocated $500 million in Budget 2023 towards the initiative, of which a portion will go towards several community projects, the introduction of training and programmes to address issues affecting men and boys.
