Christmas comes early for Tapakuma residents - Thanks to FFTP, American philanthropist
Written by Chevon Singh
Sunday, 06 November 2011 04:17
Source - Guyana Chronicle
Everton Joseph and his son
FIFTY families on the Essequibo Coast at Tapakuma, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) will now have the opportunity to live in their own homes come Christmas, thanks to Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. (FFTP).
During an emotional ceremony on Thursday, FFTP officials, both local and overseas-based, and the sponsor of the project, Mr. Darren Dwyer, journeyed to Tapakuma located more than 12 miles up the Pomeroon River, to officially commission the housing area, Theresa Village.
According to the generous donor, an American businessman, Theresa Village, completed in 38 days, was named in honour of his mother, Theresa Dwyer.
Dwyer explained that he became inspired to help the less fortunate after he observed the poor living conditions of Amerindians in remote areas during a previous visit to Guyana.
“My family believes in helping the poor. We are not a rich family, but I just decided to give back to those who I saw were in obvious need. I saw that many of these persons and their families were in need of houses. Before, they were sleeping on boards under a thatched roof, with the rains coming down on them,” he humbly explained.
He expressed hope that the beneficiaries would now take advantage of their improved condition and develop and further enhance their homes.
FFTP Executive Director Leon Davis thanked Mr. Dwyer profoundly for his generous support, which resulted in the completion of the $65M housing project, and also for complementing the work of FFTP.
“This village was purely God’s work, and we at FFTP are happy in presenting such a wonderful gift of a house to Tapakuma residents. We at Food for the Poor are self-driven by God; we are his tools, and we are executing his duties in serving and providing for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” Davis said.
Apart from the 50 homes, the community was also provided with sanitation blocks, a community centre, nursery school, and pipelines to supply potable water throughout the area, Davis added.
Residents are also embarking on small community projects, including planting fruit trees and rearing goats, in an effort to generate income and to be self-sustaining.
In his address, FFTP Chairman, Paul Chan-A-Sue affirmed that the organisation would continue to address the housing needs of the less fortunate here, and urged residents of Theresa Village to work cooperatively to enhance their community, which he described as a jewel.
A section of Theresa Village in Tapakuma
Chan-A-Sue acknowledged the generous support of donors like Mr. Dwyer, who, through their outreach, continue to make the humanitarian work of FFTP possible.
Meanwhile, in a moving vote of thanks, Tapakuma Toshao, Doreen Jacobis explained that Thursday would forever be etched in the collective memory of their community. She took the opportunity to thank FFTP, the Government of Guyana, and Dwyer for constructing the houses in her community.
“What we are seeing here today is a blessing for our community,” she happily announced.
She explained that all of the beneficiaries were previously living in dilapidated, thatched houses which offered no protection from the elements, and that the decision to construct the homes for the families in need was a very long-awaited one.
Region Two Chairman, Mr. Ali Baksh, who was present at the ceremony, acknowledged that completion of the project was a classic example of true partnership between the Government of Guyana and local and international agencies.
He lauded the representatives of FFTP Guyana Inc. for their continued support in developing the region.
According to Baksh, the county of Essequibo was sufficiently lucky to have been gifted by FFTP with six new housing schemes in various vulnerable communities, and this has transformed the lives of the vulnerable residents there.
Historic day
Throughout the ceremony, residents and their families gathered around the community centre to share in the historic moment, which, for all, heralded a new chapter in their lives.
Although reserved by nature, many residents embraced the opportunity to express, in their unique way, how the reality of owning their own homes has affected them, and has given them a new outlook on life.
“I (didn’t) know how I could have gotten a house. Many times I tried, but I am so poor that it never happened. I am so grateful, and I want to say ‘thank you’ to Mr. Dwyer, who made this possible. God bless him,” explained Maple Campbell, one of the happy beneficiaries.
Toshao Doreen Jacobis (standing) expresses her gratitude during the commissioning ceremony. Seated (from right) are FFTP Executive Director, Mr. Leon Davis; Region Two Chairman, Mr. Ali Baksh; FFTP Chairman, Mr. Paul Chan-A-Sue; FFTP Project Manager, Ms. Susan James; and benefactor, Mr. Darren Dwyer. (Photos by Chevon Singh)
While the celebrations and festivities were underway, Everton Joseph and his son stood stoically by their home, their faces reflecting the extent of their gratitude for the gift of a home.
Joseph, whose family was one of the first to move into their new home, said: “I am very grateful for this, and happy that my family will have a home for the first time.”
Meanwhile, Gwendolyn Prince explained that the day had brought her much joy, as her previous home would leak whenever it rained, affecting her and her four children.
“It would benefit me and my family,” she said. “We now reach the stage where we could prepare a home. I am really happy about that, and I want to say thanks to the kind people at FFTP and Mr. Dwyer.”
Another happy homeowner, Roseman Allen, said: “I am happy. There are six people in our home. We lived far before, and now the children will be able to go to school on time, because we lived very far before.”
This is the seventh village constructed by FFTP. The others are located at Siriki, Onderneeming, Capoey, Mainstay, and Redlock, all villages in Region Two.
Written by Chevon Singh
Sunday, 06 November 2011 04:17
Source - Guyana Chronicle
Everton Joseph and his sonFIFTY families on the Essequibo Coast at Tapakuma, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) will now have the opportunity to live in their own homes come Christmas, thanks to Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. (FFTP).
During an emotional ceremony on Thursday, FFTP officials, both local and overseas-based, and the sponsor of the project, Mr. Darren Dwyer, journeyed to Tapakuma located more than 12 miles up the Pomeroon River, to officially commission the housing area, Theresa Village.
According to the generous donor, an American businessman, Theresa Village, completed in 38 days, was named in honour of his mother, Theresa Dwyer.
Dwyer explained that he became inspired to help the less fortunate after he observed the poor living conditions of Amerindians in remote areas during a previous visit to Guyana.
“My family believes in helping the poor. We are not a rich family, but I just decided to give back to those who I saw were in obvious need. I saw that many of these persons and their families were in need of houses. Before, they were sleeping on boards under a thatched roof, with the rains coming down on them,” he humbly explained.
He expressed hope that the beneficiaries would now take advantage of their improved condition and develop and further enhance their homes.
FFTP Executive Director Leon Davis thanked Mr. Dwyer profoundly for his generous support, which resulted in the completion of the $65M housing project, and also for complementing the work of FFTP.
“This village was purely God’s work, and we at FFTP are happy in presenting such a wonderful gift of a house to Tapakuma residents. We at Food for the Poor are self-driven by God; we are his tools, and we are executing his duties in serving and providing for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” Davis said.
Apart from the 50 homes, the community was also provided with sanitation blocks, a community centre, nursery school, and pipelines to supply potable water throughout the area, Davis added.
Residents are also embarking on small community projects, including planting fruit trees and rearing goats, in an effort to generate income and to be self-sustaining.
In his address, FFTP Chairman, Paul Chan-A-Sue affirmed that the organisation would continue to address the housing needs of the less fortunate here, and urged residents of Theresa Village to work cooperatively to enhance their community, which he described as a jewel.
A section of Theresa Village in TapakumaChan-A-Sue acknowledged the generous support of donors like Mr. Dwyer, who, through their outreach, continue to make the humanitarian work of FFTP possible.
Meanwhile, in a moving vote of thanks, Tapakuma Toshao, Doreen Jacobis explained that Thursday would forever be etched in the collective memory of their community. She took the opportunity to thank FFTP, the Government of Guyana, and Dwyer for constructing the houses in her community.
“What we are seeing here today is a blessing for our community,” she happily announced.
She explained that all of the beneficiaries were previously living in dilapidated, thatched houses which offered no protection from the elements, and that the decision to construct the homes for the families in need was a very long-awaited one.
Region Two Chairman, Mr. Ali Baksh, who was present at the ceremony, acknowledged that completion of the project was a classic example of true partnership between the Government of Guyana and local and international agencies.
He lauded the representatives of FFTP Guyana Inc. for their continued support in developing the region.
According to Baksh, the county of Essequibo was sufficiently lucky to have been gifted by FFTP with six new housing schemes in various vulnerable communities, and this has transformed the lives of the vulnerable residents there.
Historic day
Throughout the ceremony, residents and their families gathered around the community centre to share in the historic moment, which, for all, heralded a new chapter in their lives.
Although reserved by nature, many residents embraced the opportunity to express, in their unique way, how the reality of owning their own homes has affected them, and has given them a new outlook on life.
“I (didn’t) know how I could have gotten a house. Many times I tried, but I am so poor that it never happened. I am so grateful, and I want to say ‘thank you’ to Mr. Dwyer, who made this possible. God bless him,” explained Maple Campbell, one of the happy beneficiaries.
Toshao Doreen Jacobis (standing) expresses her gratitude during the commissioning ceremony. Seated (from right) are FFTP Executive Director, Mr. Leon Davis; Region Two Chairman, Mr. Ali Baksh; FFTP Chairman, Mr. Paul Chan-A-Sue; FFTP Project Manager, Ms. Susan James; and benefactor, Mr. Darren Dwyer. (Photos by Chevon Singh)While the celebrations and festivities were underway, Everton Joseph and his son stood stoically by their home, their faces reflecting the extent of their gratitude for the gift of a home.
Joseph, whose family was one of the first to move into their new home, said: “I am very grateful for this, and happy that my family will have a home for the first time.”
Meanwhile, Gwendolyn Prince explained that the day had brought her much joy, as her previous home would leak whenever it rained, affecting her and her four children.
“It would benefit me and my family,” she said. “We now reach the stage where we could prepare a home. I am really happy about that, and I want to say thanks to the kind people at FFTP and Mr. Dwyer.”
Another happy homeowner, Roseman Allen, said: “I am happy. There are six people in our home. We lived far before, and now the children will be able to go to school on time, because we lived very far before.”
This is the seventh village constructed by FFTP. The others are located at Siriki, Onderneeming, Capoey, Mainstay, and Redlock, all villages in Region Two.