President opens human development facility in Berbice

Stabroek News
December 29, 2003

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A $22M facility - the Guyana Human Development Multi-Purpose Centre - was opened at Port Mourant, Corentyne on Christmas Day by President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The opening of the centre coincided with the Presi-dent's two-day visit to Berbice which began on Christmas Eve day.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) the centre is primarily sponsored by the Jesuits of Guyana and will offer programmes based on faith, morals and pastoral care to youth, parents, teachers and students.

The objective of the organisation is to contribute towards the transformation of Guyana into a nation of reconciliation, peace, harmony and human progress - especially in the religious and cultural traditions.

In his feature address Jagdeo was quoted by GINA as saying "too often across the country there is an absence (of facilities), where young people can turn to (for) guidance and they need to know that someone cares."

The target group is children from ages 5-25, unmarried adults and single persons, married couples with children, parents and adults, teachers, educators and workers among others.

Father Joseph Chira of the organisation said there were several facilities at the centre including computers, a reading room/library, a guidance and counselling room, a mediation room and a kitchen. Suicide and HIV/AIDS are two issues that will be tackled by the centre.

The organisation has been active in Guyana for over 150 years and operates in 112 countries worldwide.