By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
May 24, 2001

World Boxing Association welterweight champion Andrew Lewis made his first trip to Bartica yesterday afternoon and turned the sod to officially begin construction of a multi-purpose centre at Mong Rippa Hill.

Lewis and his entourage were on a Ministry of Trade and Tourism organised tour of Bartica, Shanklands and Baracara in the Essequibo region.

At Bartica, his last stop on the tour, Lewis was met by the largest welcoming part yet. Almost the entire town turned out and school children lined the Streets.

In Bartica, Lewis made a courtesy call on Regional Chairman Gordon Bradshaw who presented him with a gift. "You have struck a blow for the under privileged and the poor," Bradshaw told Lewis.

When completed the two storied multi purpose centre in Bartica would house a computer office, a joinery office and a councling and research office.

Ministerial Adviser on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba said that the building will cost 16 million and the contract was awarded to contractor Compton Jones.

"Through the President's Youth Choice Programme, the young people of Bartica decided that they wanted a building where they could engage in different activities," Lumumba said.

"This building is for all citizens of Bartica and Region Seven regardless of race, creed or political ideology," Lumumba declared. Construction will begin on Monday and should be completed within five months.

Before he arrived at Bartica Lewis stopped at Shanklands and Baracara resorts located in the Mazaruni river.

On the return trip from the Mazaruni rapids the champion was allowed a chance to pilot the jet boat under close supervision of Mike Prince.

The champion later confessed that he had fallen in love with Baracara since the resort had removed most of his stress. Today Lewis will travel to Berbice and is scheduled to make a stop in Buxton on his return during the evening.