Berbice businessman pays it forward
― invests millions to assist Hururu Village residents
DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 11, 2019
A Crabwood Creek logger, of Region 6, has invested millions of dollars in assisting residents of Hururu Village along the Berbice River in Region 10.
Besides offering employment to the 700 residents in the community, Ameer Bacchus has constructed three bridges and donated books to the village library.
“Last month, I build three bridges in the village to assist with crossing over the creeks. The ones that they had was destroyed and the crossing was very difficult and during the rainy season, some children could not get to school,” Bacchus explained.
Approximately one hundred children attend the Hururu Academy.
His most recent effort was the construction of a $5M mortuary that was handed over to the Village Council. According to Bacchus, with this new facility the old practice of having to dig a hole in the ground, placing the body over the hole and placing ice on the corpse until the funeral, will be phased out.
The facility will also benefit the neighbouring villages of Aroaima, Wikki-Culcuni, Tacama, Ituni, Waruni and many other Villages along the Upper Berbice River since the nearest mortuary is situated at Kwakwani.
Bacchus said electricity is provided to the facility. While it does not have a freezer, facilities are in place to preserve the corpse. It also has facilities to conduct autopsies and to bathe the deceased.
The logger said he feels obligated to give back to the community from which he makes a living and has invested millions. Edmund Mittelholzer, an 84-year-old resident of Hururu for seven years, said many pensioners like himself are incredibly grateful to Bacchus. “It was bad for the children going to school. They have all kind of things to cross. I know they are glad for that [bridge].”
Another resident, Hansel Vandenburg told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that Bacchus has contributed immensely to the village.
“Because of his presence here, a lot of things have been happening and things that were not in place before are now evident. He has contributed a lot to the village out of his own pocket…”
Bacchus, however, humbly stated these undertakings are not of his own will.
“It was revealed to me by the Almighty, and the next project in this village will be a House of God. Whatever is revealed to me, I will not neglect for these people need help,” he said.
Story and Images by Tanuja Raikha