JANUARY 13, 2011 | BY KAIETEUR NEWS
Some former residents of New Amsterdam now living overseas have formed themselves into a group to help revive the town of New Amsterdam. The group is known as the Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA). Representatives led by Dr Leonard Lewis were recently in Guyana. The other members on the trip were Claire Floris, Ruthel Hamilton Fung and Denis Sheppard, all of whom had come on a fact finding mission to learn about the living conditions in the town. They recently met the media and handed over some tools and equipment to the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council in the Chamber of the Mayor.
According to Dr Lewis their visit was a follow up the group’s inaugural meeting held last September in New York at which the Mayor of New Amsterdam was present. Dr Lewis who is an educator stated that the group is interested in networking with individuals, associations’ agencies and other entities overseas to assist in the development of the Town.
He said that one of their main objectives is to create an environment that is conducive to investment and job creation in the town.
During their visit the members visited various places and held meetings with the Mayor and Town Council, the Regional Chairman, The Berbice Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Education office other community-based and Civic organizations and leaders. During the discussion the group was privy to first hand information, heard the views and concerns of the people in the town and some possible remedies.
Dr Lewis stated that their mission would enable the organization to identify the issues confronting the municipality and residents of the town, which was once regarded as the capital.
Another aim is to help the town and residents in specific areas of need.
To help fulfill their promise the group is embarked in fundraising activities overseas, but he is also encouraging the residents, Groups and Business entities in and around the township to get involved, he stated that a good way to start is by getting involved in self help activities and help clean up the town, something which he noted was a regular occurrence in the past. He also urged the resident to institute measures, which will help sustain the practice.
The group took the opportunity to present a quantity of tools and agricultural equipment to the municipality to help in the solid waste management and general sanitation work. The group is in the process of organizing a local chapter in Guyana to act as a liaison and to help supervise the many projects that would be undertaken in New Amsterdam.
Dr Lewis said that there are a number of persons who are willing to assist.
Mayor of New Amsterdam, Claude Henry, in his speech encourage the residents to take up the mantle and the challenge set by COFONA and lead from the front.
He thanked Dr Lewis and his organization for the help and foresight in coming forward to help their homeland. The Mayor said that he has been receiving correspondence from a number of overseas-based Guyanese, among them lawyers, doctors, engineers and teachers who are willing to return home and help rebuild the Town.
Town Clerk Angelina Collins who received the equipment from Dr. Lewis expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Lewis and the members of COFONA for the equipment and tools.
She gave the assurance that the leap, made by that body will not go unrewarded. She also asked Dr Lewis to convey to the Residents deepest appreciation and gratitude to the members of COFONA