By Subhana Shiwmangal
A playpark and a gym were commissioned yesterday by a Guyanese company, Cabana Marketing and Fantasy Sports, at the Mahdia community centre ground, Region Eight.
The sod was turned for the $17 million recreational ground called the Mahdia Oval, back on March 21. The playground together with the gym were funded by Cabana Marketing, according to a release from the company.
This initiative is one of the biggest so far that the company has undertaken, and there are plans to similarly assist other communities in need across Guyana.
The company had observed that Mahdia needed some sort of public recreational facility that would benefit all its residents and jumped at the opportunity to be able to give back to the community.
On the sidelines of the opening of the playground and gym, the Director of the company, Sylvia Thomas, told Stabroek News that the company was glad to help the community of Mahdia when it heard that a playground and gym would make the residents happy.
“This is what this company is all about, we want to help people, we go to different communities; this is a community that needed the help.” She disclosed that she was told of the need by Raj Kumar Singh who runs the Fantasy sports location in Mahdia, and a customer.
“Raj Kumar Singh runs the Fantasy sports location in Mahdia, so we got in contact with him as well as one of our customers. They spoke to us about the playground and gym, and when they heard that we wanted to help, we wanted the kids to have something. The kids didn’t have anything at all and the parents didn’t have anything. So, this is why we commissioned this initiative to meet the adults’ need as well by providing the gym. We just wanted to give back to the community and, we came today for the opening and enjoyed seeing the adult faces and the children faces being so happy. So, our mission has been completed as this is our aim to give back and ensure the happiness of the community. “She added, “This is the first biggest commitment and we intend to go to each region to do something like this.”
Diana Persaud, the Marketing Manager for Cabana Marketing and Fantasy sports said, “This is not our first charity that we did but this is the biggest one so far… On behalf of Cabana Marketing and Fantasy sports, it is an absolute joy to stand here today for the official opening of the fantasy fun park and outdoor gym. This project commenced in March and we are so happy that it is finally completed and we can hand it over to the Mahdia community. This project cost approximately $17 million, and we intend to continue this initiative across the country. Cabana marketing and Fantasy is committed to the development of communities and we believe in giving back to the community.”
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Mahdia, Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain on Wednesday said she was happy to have such an initiative undertaken as it was something the community had wanted for years now, and it is very much appreciated. “We are very happy about it, the children enjoy it a lot because there isn’t any playing facility in Mahdia.”
She added, “I wish to convey our deepest appreciation for the generous donations from the Cabana Marketing and Fantasy sports. The installation of the play park and outdoor gym have significantly enhanced our oval ground, undoubtfully bringing joy and gratitude for the children of Mahdia and the surrounding communities by providing a secure and enjoyable recreational space. Moreover, this endeavor has the potential to strengthen familiar ties as our community members utilize this facility for quality time together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cabana Marketing and Fantasy sports for their recognition of their needs for our children and residents for their efforts in addressing these needs. The people of Mahdia are truly appreciative of this contribution and eagerly anticipate your continued support for our future. “ Educational Officer of Mahdia, Kim Douglas, expressed gratitude on behalf of the manager of Movement Family Hotel and Bar for the opportunity to build the recreational park, and urged the residents to take care it.
According to release, Cabana owns and operates Fantasy Gaming Lounges, Fantasy Sports and a number of small businesses. The Guyanese company believes in local content and is proud to have 100% local management and staff. The company intends to continue its efforts in supporting local sport and culture.
