PM, Education Minister honoured at Mahaicony village day fete

Mahaicony, Region Five came alive on Saturday when residents gathered at the community centre to honour Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Education Minister Priya Manickchand and others for their contributions during its village weekend celebrations.

At the launching ceremony, Mahaicony residents were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community and the country, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said. Manickchand, an awardee who hails from Mahaicony said “We should always recognise what is good amongst us as such the recognition aspect of the event is important….When we receive a plaque for service…it is always good to note and say thank you…on behalf of all the awardees, I say thank you.”

The prime minister was also recognised for his contribution to Mahaicony and to the nation. A booklet containing a number of his speeches was commissioned on his behalf. Hinds is currently overseas so his son Nikolai collected the award on his behalf.

Other awardees included Dr Cecil Haricharran, Captain Burns, Courtney Marks, Clyde Butts along with the 2012 National Grade Six Assessment top student in Mahaicony, Andrew Persaud who gained 531 marks which earned him a place at Queen’s College. Persaud also copped the 2011 Best Speller award in Region Five in 2011. Organisers also presented vouchers valued $1500 each to three underprivileged youths from the community.

In expressing his gratitude to organisers Region Five Chairman Bindrabhan  Bisnauth said, “Mahaicony is a great village…we have a lot of talents, people excel in all fields…in agriculture, politics, academics…you name it and Mahaicony is part and parcel of all the good things that Guyana can produce and has produced.”

Region Five NDC Chair-man Dayanand Maraj said the three youths who helped to make the weekend activity a success should be recognised for their efforts. “Mahaicony is a special place in the hearts of many people…it is comprised of three NDCs all of which join together to make Mahaicony one of the best villages in Region 5,” he said.

GINA said the first day of activities attracted the presence of the Guyana Rice Development Board and the Perth Village Farmers Asso-ciation which had erected booths in the compound. Residents also participated in cycling and other races and competitions.