GUYDA donates $2,500US to the New Amsterdam Band Corps

July 12th 2012
The Guyana United Youth Development Association (GUYDA) made a generous donation of $2,500US to the Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) in support of the New Amsterdam Drum Corps (Sponsored by COFONA). Ms. Beryl James, secretary of GUYDA, made the presentation at the Association’s recent Father’s Day Brunch in Brooklyn. Upon making the presentation, Ms. Beryl emphasized GUYDA’s interest in supporting projects and programs that focus on developing Guyana’s youths and expressed her organization’s support for COFONA’s efforts to address development in the township of New Amsterdam and its environs, and the needs of the youths in particular.

Dr. Leonard Lewis, President of COFONA, received the check on behalf of the organization. Mr. Santon Lambert and Mr. Denis France, two other members of COFONA, were on hand to witness the handover. Dr. Lewis expressed his gratitude to GUYDA for its commitment to the youths of Guyana, the leadership potential of that nation. He assured the donors of his intent to follow through with

the expressed intent of the gift and to keep GUYDA informed of developments in the New Amsterdam Band Corps. According to Dr. Lewis, the gift is a timely one as it will assist the Band preparing for its first anniversary this coming September. The Band will soon begin a recruitment drive to boost its membership beyond its current 24 strong contingent. It will also include girls, of varying age ranges, in the Band Corps. The NA Band Corps will be managed by a sub-committee of volunteers including COFONA (GUYANA) comprised of Ms. Gertrude Welch, Ms. Mavis La Bennett, Ms. Ruth Jaundoo, Mr. Polo, and Mr.  Bobby La Bennett. Others have been invited to become part of the sub-committee. The youths will be prepared in music theory by Ms. Jaundoo and Mr. La Bennett while Mr. Polo and Mr. Batson will offer training in drills and bugle marches.