The launch of the Guyana Association of Retired Persons which is aimed at having experienced professionals to guide and counsel youths will be the main highlight of the Godwin Mc Pherson Foundation’s one-year anniversary celebrations this weekend.
Organisers have also planned a youth explosion for youngsters drawn from depressed communities in Georgetown and several regions along with a church service to mark the death of the former army officer. Mc Pherson before his death last October had devoted his time to participating in community work and seeking to improve the lives of persons especially those living in underprivileged communities.
During a press conference on Friday, president of the Association, Dr. Aubrey Armstrong, a Caribbean management consultant based in Guyana, announced that the launch will take place on Sunday afternoon.
He said that a senior person from the Barbados Association of Retired Persons will be in attendance at the event.
Dr. Armstrong stressed that this launch is a timely one noting that “As we notice young people who are falling through the cracks, who need some guidance. We are going to recruit from the association, people who can sit with them and give them some support, some counselling”.
He noted that the Guyana chapter will consist of former teachers, former civil servants and army officers; a group that can mentor young people.
He told the small gathering that members of the Barbados Association which has 30, 000 people and had been going strong for 15 years and the Trinidad Association benefit greatly from discounts.
He explained that the retirees get 15% off medication, discounts on insurances, shopping and doctor visits. In some cases there are vehicles to pick up the elderly folks who are `shut ins’ to go shopping and to go to the doctor. When you go to a certain doctor you get a percentage off, he added.
He noted that the emphasis has been on depressed communities especially in the rural areas and organisers have attempted to approach development holistically; that is dealing with the psychological impact of underdevelopment as well as the finance, health, education and other aspects.
Speaking on the Foundation’s work so far, Dr. Armstrong said that sports equipment, kitchen appliances and computers have been donated to schools.
“This was an army officer with a difference whose approach to life was not just within the framework of his duties but who was involved as president of the basketball association, who attempted to impact on the lives of a number of young people as well as old people and so we have tried to carry on that work”, he stressed.
Just before the launch there will be a thanksgiving service at the St. Augustine Anglican Church, Buxton which was very close to Mc Pherson and his family.
Preceding these two activities will by the Youth Explosion which will be attended by youths from Region 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.
Executive coordinator, Thandi Mc Allister said that this activity which would be held on Saturday will open the celebrations and is slated to be held at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue.
Registration starts at 7:30 am and the activity held under the theme “Empower-ing youths through cultural expression and dialogue” get on the way at 9 am.
Mc Allister explained that the Foundation relies on certain core principles, one of which is the empowerment of youth through sports, education, culture and entrepreneurial ventures.
“It is our belief that in order for any nation or people to develop they must have the active involvement of our young people”, she said adding that organisers are currently meeting with young people and discussing the various issues that affect them and the development of their communities.
She expressed hope that the youth will use Saturday’s activity to present their ideas and discuss their issues through cultural expression in the form of either dance or drama. Another aim of the youth explosion is to meet with young people and chart a road for development.
“I hope that they will explode in a positive way”, she stressed adding that the youths should be able to return to their communities and effectively aid in the development process.
Also present at the press conference was Director Terry Holder and former army chief of staff Brigadier Edward Collins who is the general secretary.
