About Cofona
The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) is a collaborative initiative that networks among individuals, associations, and agencies for the overall educational and socio-economic growth and development of the town of New Amsterdam.Vision Statement
We envision a new [town of] New Amsterdam where all residents enjoy the full range of life experiences in a safe, wholesome, living and working environment.
Mission Statement
The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) is a broad-based collaborative initiative that networks with individuals, associations, businesses and governmental agencies for the educational, social and economic development of New Amsterdam. It promotes policies, programs, and activities that positively impact the preservation, growth, and development of the town and its environs; and partners with residents, stakeholders and other entities to create a suitable climate for investment. It assists residents to fully utilize educational opportunities to build, strengthen and sustain the quality of life for individuals, families and the community at large; and encourages entrepreneurial spirit among residents as a means of creating meaningful and sustained employment.
The Goals of COFONA are:
- To network with individuals, associations, businesses, and governmental agencies, both in Guyana and overseas, to promote investments in Guyana.
- To function as a catalyst and a partner for educational, social, and economic development.
- To promote and support fund-raising to achieve stated goals.
- To preserve and utilize the unique, historical features of the town as a strategy for its development.
- To assist the children, youth and adults to complete their education and achieve economic self-sufficiency through empowerment skills.
- To encourage and promote an entrepreneurial spirit as a means for meaningful employment.
- To encourage, strengthen and expand voluntarism and community development to enrich the lives of individuals, families, and the community.
Founding Members*
| Ms. Joan Alert Ms. Marcia Alexander Ms. Ona Baptiste Ms. Aisha Bender Mr. Paul Bender Mr. Aubrey Bender Ms. Paula Bender Ms. Joy Bender Ms. Leslyn Bender Mr. Robert Bender Ms. Shaunelle Bender Ms. Sharon Bender-Lewis Mr. Robert Coddett Mr. Joseph Collins Mr. Hewlett Daniels Mr. Rosamond David Mrs. Barbara Dicenzo (Tenpow) Mr. Karl Dickie Ms. Loretta Edwards Ms. Winifred Europe Ms. Cheryl Farley Mr. Albert Farley |
Ms. Claire Floris Mr. Arnold Fortune Mr. Michael Fraser (Eastman) Mr. Richard Georgeson Mrs. Romaine Georgeson Mrs. Ruthel Hamilton-Fung Mr. Ivor Hartmann Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Howard Ms. Denise Inniss Ms. Joy Inniss (Austin) Mr. Egbert Isaacs Mr. Ewart Jack Ms. Monique Jackson Mr. Keith (Wycliff) Klass Mr. Leonard Lewis Mr. Milton Lewis Mr. Claude London Mr. Keith London Mr. Santon Lambert Ms.Tessa McBean (Hamilton) Mr. Shellion McCalmon Mr. Neil McAlmont |
Mr. Marlon McWatt Mr. Marcini McWatt Mr. Keith Mercurius Ms. Bonita Montaque Ms. Merle Obot Mr. Nse Obot Ms. Malcolm Odean Ms. Shane Odean Ms. Barbara Pilgrim Ms. Dolores Polite-Younge Mrs. June Welch Raphael Ms. Jonnel Riley Ms. Veronica Rollins Mr. Denis (Nayland) Shepherd Mr. Compton Smith Mr. Winston Smith Mr. Jamaal Trotman Ms. Bonita Tenpow Mr. Michael Tenpow Mr. Deric Timmerman Ms. Gertrude Welch Ms. Winnie Wilkinson |
*Founding members of COFONA INC are individuals who accepted membership before the October 31st, 2010 deadline.