Arya Samaj gets gov’t lease to build benevolent home at Babu John

Government has leased a plot of land at Babu John to the Guyana Central Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission for the construction of a benevolent home to meet the needs of vulnerable persons.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), government granted the plot at Port Mourant, Corentyne Coast to the New Jersey Arya Samaj for the construction of the home for its local body. President of the Mission Pandit Suresh Sugrim, GINA reported, expressed his gratitude to President Donald Ramotar for granting the lease, which will enable the organisation to empower the elderly, abused women and men, and orphans in Region Six.

He explained that domestic violence, rape and suicide are social issues that are fairly dominant in some communities on the Corentyne and the organisation is seeking to empower people, and particularly women, by equipping them with the tools to rise above their difficulties. “We no longer believe in handouts because these are only temporary; the only way that we can break this vicious cycle is through education and for those individuals who are ready to be educated, the organisation stands ready to help them,” Sugrim said.

Sugrim also said he hoped for a stronger collaboration between the organisation and government as he believes that collectively much more can be accomplished as it relates to serving the less fortunate.

He noted too that the sod turning ceremony for the construction of the facility will be held early next year. Plans are in train to build an orphanage for boys and girls, a senior citizens’ home (particularly for elderly persons who have re-migrated but do not have relatives in Guyana), and a centre for education and empowerment.

GINA said the Mission has been working in Guyana since 2005 and has since spent millions of dollars helping needy persons from across all sections of society. Its objective is to help children, seniors, and other individuals who are living in dire poverty.

The Mission provides these services through fundraising and the generosity of contributors, sponsors, and caregivers who help children and other individuals to enhance their lives.