Opened to the beating of African drums, the Mark Benschop Centre was launched yesterday at the Court Yard mall on Robb Street.

The Centre aims at developing Guyana’s depressed communities and underprivileged youths through empowerment, education and sport. Chairman Mark Benschop and other members including local Hanes franchise-holder Ron Morrison pledged to assist any person in need.

In his address Benschop described himself as a “humanitarian” who despite all the hardships endured during his five-year imprisonment “is not a bitter person but someone who was willing to change.” He called the opening an emotional occasion saying this venture is due to his new-found belief in God. He said too the Centre has already started operations and had engaged residents in Agricola, Lusignan, Buxton and New Amsterdam. Benschop said the Centre was launched a few months ago in the United States among the Guyanese Diaspora who are “dedicated towards rebuilding this country.”

Meanwhile, Morrison pointed out that the Centre is not a “hand-out” or “welfare” organization rather; it seeks to help persons in genuine need. It intends to provide training in cake decorating to interested persons, particularly single-mothers.

The launching also saw attendance by persons including honorary guests Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen and former Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Edward Collins. Collins said he was honoured to have been able to contribute towards the Centre and encouraged others to pledge their support to “this worthy cause.” He said too that youth are the engine of the country and every necessary measure should be taken to ensure that they are equipped to become productive citizens.

The Centre will also house the Guyana Observer which will continue the objectives of the Caribbean People’s Forum which was published and distributed in the US from 1993 to 1999. The Observer was first published in 2007. The Centre will also house Consultancy Services including public relations, videography and television production and an internet café.