Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) Inaugural Forum

Saturday, September 18, 2010 | St. Gabriel’s Hall 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) Inaugural Forum held on Saturday, September 18th at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Hall in Brooklyn, New York drew a crowd of about 75 persons. According to Dr. Leonard Lewis, COFONA’S mission is to rebuild and develop New Amsterdam. Dr. Leonard Lewis described COFONA’S vision for New Amsterdam as, ‘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.” He described the organization’s commitment to the development of the town and its intent to work with existing organizations that contribute to this goal. According to Dr. Lewis, the organization would collaborate with groups, alumni associations, individuals, governmental agencies, and regional and international bodies to assist in the development.

Mr. Leslie Howard presided over the day’s events which included a Plenary Session, a Reporting Session, and then a Working Session.

The Honorable Claude Henry, mayor of New Amsterdam was in attendance at the meeting and he described the deplorable conditions of the township. The mayor pointed out that while signs of economic development are evident in some areas outside of New Amsterdam, this is not the case, overall, in New Amsterdam proper. Not only is the unemployment rate among the youths in the town at an all time high, but also, 60% of those leaving school each year cannot find jobs in the town, while 40% of the youths in the town are out of work; as a result, most seek their fortunes elsewhere. A spirited question and answer session followed the address and allowed the audience to be updated on the limited resources plaguing improvements in the social and economic conditions in the municipality. Guyana’s Consul General, Hon. Brentford Evans, was unable to attend due to the arrival of the Guyana’s delegation to the United Nations. However, a report from the Berbice Chamber of Commerce on investment opportunities in New Amsterdam was submitted.

The mayor also outlined ways how interested parties could help to contribute to the development of the town. According to the mayor, the municipality is seeking partnership with stakeholders, NGOs and individuals who share an interest in the development of New Amsterdam.

Representatives from several organizations described how their organizations were involved in assisting the New Amsterdam residents. Winnie Wilkinson explained how ‘All Ah We’ was able to receive assistance from the people of Vermont to collect crates of donated supplies for schools in New Amsterdam and Vreed-en-hoop; while Mr. Winston Smith described the efforts made by the Ex-GDF Association to assist their fellow soldiers and of the neglect some were experiencing. Mr. Aubrey Armstrong explained the mission of the Col. Godwin McPherson Foundation and of their efforts, over the past year, to assist local communities.

During the Working Session, moderated by Mr. Michael Ten-Pow, the audience began committing themselves to the vision for a New Amsterdam revival by participating in helping to frame potential projects to achieve the organization’s goals. The group will also recruit the 2nd generation of immigrants to join COFONA as the organization mobilizes this skilled resource of professionals to contribute to the development of the township.

At the close of the forum, Mayor Claude Henry, on behalf of the NA Town Council, presented a beautiful plaque to COFONA
for its vision, insight and commitment to assist in the rebuilding of the town of New Amsterdam.