The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) which comprises former New Amsterdam residents now living overseas, which was formed with the aim of helping to revive the town, continues to make significant contributions in this regard.
The group which was formed last year in New York is headed by Dr Leonard Lewis who is an educator. The group has an overseas and a local chapter. The local chapter is headed by Mrs. Marcy Williams. Recently Dr Lewis along with Mrs. Williams presented a 20 Cubic Ft. Frigidaire Freezer to the All Saints Presbyterian Developmental Centre at Princess Elizabeth and Vryheid Roads in New Amsterdam to help with their many developmental programmes. The group also recently donated new set of uniforms to the New Amsterdam Town Constabulary.
Dr Lewis in a recent interview stated that the group is interested in networking with individuals, associations, agencies and other entities overseas to assist in the development of their hometown. He said that one of their main objectives is to create an environment that is conducive to investment and job creation. Another aim is to help the town and residents in specific areas of need.
He also stated that the group is interested in networking with local organizations such as the Mayor and Town Council, Regional Democratic Council, Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association and other community based and Civic organization and leaders. To help fulfill their promise the group is embarked in fundraising activities overseas,
The entity has so far presented a number of tools and agricultural equipment to the Mayor and Town Council to help in Solid Waste management and general sanitation work. The tools include forks, hoes, rakes, gloves, tubs, goggles, shovels and spades among other utensils.
Computers, drum sets and brass instruments were used for the formation of a Drum Corps and Brass band attached to the Mayor and Town Council and the renaming of a street (No 39 Stanleytown) in the name of a prominent New Amsterdam and Musician Randolph Harrison Bennett BEM, MSM.
Ms Marian Tinnie of the All Saints Presbyterian Group received the Freezer on behalf of the organization and expressed her organization’s appreciation and gratitude to the members of COFONA. She thanked both the overseas and local chapters for their more than tangible assistance and asked Dr Lewis to convey their deepest appreciation to the overseas chapter.