The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) officially opened its $3M Children’s Recreational Area on Saturday, in keeping with its plans to provide a Saturday night family alternative to members of the community.
In a press release the ACIC said it opened the facility to great fanfare with its members, sponsors and other invited guests.
ACIC President Hakeem Khan, in his remarks said the facility is a tremendous achievement that has been in the making for years. He said it offers families an opportunity to enjoy an evening free from the rowdiness now associated with weekend activities in Guyana.
The $3M facility was built mainly through contributions from the Sunnatul Masjid of Ontario, Canada; Sterling Products Limited, Fazela Auto Sales, Farouk &BA Amin and ACIC members. It was built over a period of ten months and boasts equipment for indoor and outdoor activities. A projector and large screen is used to air appropriate movies on Saturday nights but children can also enjoy the slides, swings and sea-saws in the outdoor play area.
Visiting Muslim Scholar from Canada, Shaik Nazim Baksh said he was happy to see such a facility established within the Muslim community in Guyana. He complimented the ACIC administration and urged the community to make full use of its services. In addition, former ACIC president Hajj Jabar Khan, who now resides in the USA, said he was proud at the continuous growth of the institution he headed for over 20 years. He pledged his continued support and urged the public to reassure the facility.
The ACIC said Imam Haleem Khan of Meten-Meer-Zorg Masjid, Shaik Safraz Bacchus of the CIOG and representatives of the sponsors made brief remarks at the opening ceremony. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the sponsors of the facility and trophies were given out to the winners in the just concluded mini sports night. Special awards were also presented to teachers of the ACIC Madrasa, Zameer Khan and Asheel Khan. Reyaz Hussein was the Master of Ceremonies at the opening.
