NGOs announce million-dollar projects in Berbice - St. Francis Community Developers looking to invite Ophrah Winfrey to Guyana

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric, Friday, 10 January 2014, Source

TWO multi-million-dollar projects, aimed at enhancing educational thrust in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) were announced on Wednesday, following a collaborative effort between the non-governmental organisations, St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) and Food for the Poor Guyana Inc.

Alex Foster

The $10M expenditure includes a modern agricultural plot, which is expected to facilitate schools in the New Amsterdam environment and a multi-purpose complex to be constructed at Bara Cara, approximately 75 miles along the Canje River.

At a media briefing, SFCD President Mr. Alex Foster told reporters that the agricultural venture is to expose and satisfy students at the curriculum level of the Caribbean Examinations Council.

Phase one of the programme, which has since been completed, included the digging of several fishing (tilapia) ponds and fencing of the land which had previously housed the High Court building on Princess Elizabeth Road, in New Amsterdam.

Oprah Winfrey

He said the initial phase received support from the Dutch Oldendorf, a transshipment company facilitating barging, offshore loading and ocean transportation of bauxite from the mine located some 131 nautical miles in the Berbice River.

Meanwhile, construction work at Bara Cara is to commence shortly and, within six months, residents in that riverine community are expected to benefit from a library, computers and information technology training.

Solar panels are to be installed at the completion of the construction as generated electricity is not accessible in the agriculture-based community.
Apart from those projects, Foster said other plans on stream for 2014, are: his organisation’s hosting of the world renowned celebrity, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, the building and operation of a music and carpentry school and the creation of an early childhood education office, where caregivers will be professionally trained by university graduates.