Two riverain communities received outboard engines from Food For the Poor (Guyana) Inc at the organisation’s headquarters in Festival City, Georgetown on Wednesday.
The engines were presented to representatives of the Pomeroon Education Group and the community of Hosororo, in the North West District.
Camille Ann De Jesus of the Pomeroon Education Group who accepted one of the 75 horsepower Yamaha engines said she was very thankful to Food For the Poor for its assistance. She said the engine will be used to transport children in the communities along the Pomeroon River all the way to Charity so that they can attend school. De Jesus said the request for assistance was made to Food For the Poor after the engine that powered the boat broke down which resulted in children missing a week of school. She said the engine that is not working was bought to replace a previous engine that was stolen.
Rock Beharry who received the second engine on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church in Hosororo said it will be used to assist the priest to continue his service to the 23 communities along the river. Beharry expressed his gratitude to Food For the Poor in helping to spread the good news of God. The church also helps the organisation in its distributions and other services.
The two engines are valued at $2.3 million and Executive Director of the organisation, Leon Davis, urged the recipients to do their best to take care of them and secure them to prevent them from being stolen.
Also presented on Wednesday were 50 pairs of long boots each to the Prison Service and the Transport and Harbours Department. The Prison Service which was assisted in the setting up of chicken farms, through Chief Officer Shirley Grossman expressed gratitude and said the long boots will be used to enhance the work of the prisoners and officers especially in the rainy season and while on the farm.
Meanwhile at a press conference where the audit report and other items were discussed, Davis noted that the year 2008 was a good year for the organisation in which $13 billion in goods and aid were distributed. Davis however made an appeal to the press to ensure that they cover not only the donations, but other projects the organisation undertakes as well. He said Food For the Poor depends on the coverage given to it by the media to attract more donors.
Food For the Poor’s theme for this year is “The way forward” and the organisation is focusing on areas of empowerment. Single parents especially will be targeted and there will be provision of sport equipment for communities.
