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tuesday, december 10, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com
Granger hails impressive Hinds signs book Lusignan learning centre of condolences
Opposition Leader David Granger and directors of the centre pose in front of the institution
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pposition Leader, retired Brigadier David Granger on Monday visited the Lusignan-Good Hope Learning Centre and hailed the institution’s programmes as impressive. The centre, which was established in 2009 by Sandra Shivdat and her brother, Noel Naraine, caters for the learning and developmental needs of more than 135
children from the LusignanGood Hope communities. Centre director Sandra Shivdat, a New Jersey-based accountant, told the opposition leader that the main reasons for opening the facility were the acute poverty and alarming rates of illiteracy plaguing the area. According to Shivdat, the centre, which was built by private funds raised by fam-
ily members and overseas donors, was not intended to replace schools, but to supplement them. The primary emphasis at the learning centre is literacy and numeracy and toward this end there are six classes held daily, a release from the opposition leader’s office said. Starting at 12:00 noon, these early classes cater for school dropouts; then
there are after-school programmes from 14:30h until 17:00h. Computer classes are held in the centre’s computer lab on Saturdays. Other services provided at the centre include medical care to those in need, along with free meals, clothing and school supplies. Director Shivdat wants the centre to be a sanctuary, a place children would want to come to, “a place not only for learning, but a safe haven for those who come from broken or abusive homes. I do not want to be their parents, I want them to be better; I want them to move forward, and education is the way forward.” Brigadier Granger said that he was very impressed with the work of the centre and thanked Shivdat and her brother l for their commitment and the contribution they were making towards providing a better life for the children of the community. He noted that the drop-out rate was not sustainable, as a child drops out of the school system in Guyana every hour and many more were failing at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
Religious leaders celebrate Mandela in Nevada
Various religious leaders of Nevada and other participants after the multi-faith service for Mandela in Reno Buddhist Centre
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eaders of various religions and denominations gathered on December 8 in Reno, Nevada in the United States in memory of Nobel laureate Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who died at age 95 on December 5 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The multi-faith service, hosted at the Reno Buddhist Centre, included prayers and reflections by Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Baha’i leaders, among others. In his remarks, Universal Society of Hinduism President Rajan Zed, who coordinated the event, said, with Mandela’s death, the world had lost someone unique and brave, whose vision of humanity embraced all peoples and set a milestone for the world with his efforts in pluralism, common ground, equality, colour-blindness, and coexistence. “Mandela, who symbolised the victory of the human spirit, made huge contributions towards creation of a just society and pursuance of social justice,” Zed said. In addition to Zed, other speakers at the service included the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Reno Bishop Randolph R Calvo; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Quorum of the 70 Member George Marion Keele; Abdulrahim Barghouthi of Northern Nevada Muslim Community (NNMC); Matthew Fisher; and Shelley Fisher of Reno Buddhist Centre; Jewish Temple Sinai Rabbi Ethan Bair; Congregational Church of Reno Pastor Richard L Smith; Trinity Episcopal Church Associate for Parish Life Rick Millsap; William John Wynn II of International Church Fellowship; and Baha’i teachers Roya Galata and Mary Jo Adams. Martina Young performed an African prayer dance, while Jim Eaglesmith did an African healing chant with Djembe drum. Joseph E Johnson led “The Johnson Family” of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in singing the hymn, “Nearer my God to thee”. Meryl Wynn of the International Church Fellowship, who is related to Mandela, spoke about her personal experiences with him. Sherif A Elfass, NNMC president, was also present.
for Mandela
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds signing the book of condolences for the former South African President Nelson Mandela at the National Cultural Centre
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cting President Samuel Hinds on Monday signed the book of condolences for the late Nelson Mandela, at the National Cultural Centre. Hinds reminisced on the freedom which Mandela fought for during his time on Earth. “I think for persons who have been reading about apartheid would know that the world holds him responsible for bringing about the ending of apartheid in a humane way.” Hinds urged that as human beings, we should to try to settle our differences peacefully and avoid any hostility. “The way in which we are challenged, there should be no differences that we cannot settle as human beings as brothers and
sisters.” University of Guyana Bursar and member of the Forbes Burnham Foundation, Vincent Alexander, along with several members of the said foundation, also paid tribute by signing the book. Foreign Affairs Ministry Director Elizabeth Harper and Sir Shridath Ramphal also signed the book of condolences. Mandela died on Thursday, the December 5, peacefully in the company of his family at their home in Johannesburg. The great leader will be put to rest on Sunday, December 15. The book of condolences will be at the National Cultural Centre for persons interested in signing over the next few days.