Another boat was donated to the children of the Upper Pomeroon yesterday under President David Granger’s initiative to ensure all children across the country have access to transportation to get to school.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of the Presidency, the ‘David G II,’ which was donated by CGX Energy Incorporated, is the third boat that has been provided through the “Buses, Boats and Bicycles” programme, which is benefitting from partnerships between the government and members of the private sector.
“I do believe in the marrow of my bones… that if every Guyanese child got access to education we will be able to solve many of the developmental and economic problems facing this country. Just give the child access,” Granger was quoted as saying at the commissioning ceremony at Charity yesterday afternoon.
He recalled that the programme had its genesis in a Pomeroon resident telling him that he was forced to pay $5,000 per week to get his children to school. He reiterated to the large crowd of residents and school children that he had listened to their pleas and is using their votes to assist them in getting transportation.
“This (Guyana) is ours and we have to make sure that this country is well developed and that we are well educated so that Guyana remains ours,” Granger said, while noting that education and ultimately the development of the country is an important factor in maintaining territorial integrity.
Reflecting on his own experience growing up in a poor family, CGX Co-Chairman Professor Suresh Narine explained that through education he has been able to see the world and he urged teachers and parents to recommit themselves to the “idea of a fully literate society.” He added that over the past five years, CGX has invested about US$750,000 in the education sector in Guyana and, since it views the programme as a priority, he urged other agencies in the private sector to follow suit. “Without investment in our education, the future of this country is highly uncertain and so anything that we do to add to this investment is crucial,” he said.
During the presentation of the boat, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region two Rupert Hopkinson lauded the programme and said that the value of the boats cannot be quantified. “This boat is a gift to all of us, every citizen of Guyana,” he said, while stating that when children become educated, as adults they can contribute more to the community, which ultimately impacts the nation. He also declared that education is a public good for which all Guyanese must all take responsibility.
Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally was also at the event along with GAICO construction and General Services Incorporated’s Chief Executive Officer Komal Singh and businessman Alfro Alphonso, who both previously donated boats.
