The Canadian based Berbice Children Resource Network Canadian Chapter BCRNCC) has come to the assistance of Ms Doreen Sutherland of King Street Cumberland, whose house was flattened by a fire on Father’s Day last Year.
Mrs. Sutherland had made the headlines after she began to praise God on seeing her house ablaze after returning from Church.
She was presented with a cheque by Mayor of New Amsterdam Claude Henry and local representative of the group in Guyana Ms Paulette Bynoe on behalf of the overseas chapter. Ms Sutherland’s daughter, who did creditably at the recent CSEC exams was also rewarded.
Ms Sutherland thanked Mayor Claude Henry and Ms Bynoe for their timely response and expressed god’s riches blessing on them and the BCRNCC. A representative for the children also expressed gratitude on behalf of the group. Mayor Henry also thanked Ms Bynoe and asked her to express his gratitude on behalf of the Mayor and Town Council and the People of New Amsterdam to members of the overseas chapter. He also challenged the students to make full use of the life line offered to them and encourage them to do their best. The mayor also took the opportunity to call on other overseas based residents to come together and assist the town.
A number of students who are preparing to write their CSEC examination in May/ June 2012 also received similar assistance. Ms Bynoe made the symbolic presentation to students from various secondary schools in New Amsterdam. This is the second year that this is being done.
The BCRNCC was formed by Ms Joan Bryan, a Berbician residing in The USA. Ms Bryan had visited Canada to do a fund raising activity and it was during that activity a chapter was formed in Canada. It was launched on December 3, 2006. The president of the Organization is Penelope Bynoe -Young, while Pamela Joseph is the secretary treasurer.
Over the years, the group has sent items such as bag packs, uniforms, books and toys. A computer and reading programme was also launched,
The Toronto-based group is made up of former residents from Berbice. The group’s motto is “Adopt a child’s education”. The main aim is to place emphasis on children’s needs and one of the main needs identified is education.
Since its formation the group has been assisting residents back home especially school children and families in need.