A number of organisations were honoured by the United Nations (UN) for their service towards humanity on Tuesday.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Champions Awards Ceremony, hosted at the Georgetown Club, at Camp Street, saw officials from the UN, and government, among those in attendance.
The MDG Awards were open to governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and members of the private and public sector. In order for a group or organisation to be eligible to compete for the MDG Awards, it must be based in Guyana, or working in Guyana on MDG-related developmental areas. The organisation is also expected to have achieved high levels of performance in the specific category; maintained highest ethical standards; achieved outstanding accomplishments during both the past year and previous years, in pursuit of the achievement of the specific MDG; succeeded in bringing to public notice significant issues related to the identified MDG; and to have produced achievements that are sustainable and serve as an inspiration to all Guyanese.
The Guyana Society for the Blind won the MDG 2 award for its outstanding efforts in helping the visually-impaired prepare for the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Examinations through its provision of service using the Electronic Modified Media. MDG 2 aspires to the achievement of universal primary education.
The MDG 3 award, for promoting gender equality and empowering women, was won by the Mibicuri Black Bush Community Developers
Executive Director of Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth presented the MDG 5 Awards to Dr. Quincy James of the Linden Hospital Complex. She made mention of the hospital’s regional pre-natal strategy that is designed to maintain a zero maternal mortality rate, which was achieved during the period 2010 to 2014. MDG 5 aspires to improve maternal health.
The St Francis Community Developers group was awarded the MDG 1 Award for a multi-sector initiative geared at poverty reduction in the development and implementation of community projects. Numerous persons benefited from the initiative, which came in for praise. MDG 1 relates to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.
IMPACT, an entity which has been in operation for more than 15 years in Albouystown, has been offering a wide range of services to the community but its time and resources spent in the alleviation of crime and poverty were rewarded. Pastor Eworth Williams collected the MDG Award for Youth Empowerment.
A Special Recognition Award was also presented to Justice Donald Trotman in recognition of his service and contributions towards the UN.
UN Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa, in an address to the gathering, noted that the exercise will be a yearly activity. Musa made mention of a better standard of living for all and protecting human rights as part of the UN’s objectives.
0She stated, “The UN was not created to take humanity to heaven but to save it from hell.” Plans to continue to work with government through its partners to improve nutrition, promote dialogue and improve education at all levels were related as she assured the gathering of the UN’s continued support.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who also addressed the gathering, complimented the UN for its work.
He used the opportunity to highlight the move Guyana has made to achieve the MDGs at a national level by adapting and executing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). He noted the threats posed towards international peace and security, since there are new and emerging challenges daily.
