Scout body seeks $40M for Carib Jam
Stabroek News
July 23, 2002
The Guyana Scout Association needs $40 million to successfully host the thirteenth annual Caribbean Jamboree billed for August 9-17 next year.
And chairman of the organising committee of Carib Jam 2003, Laurie Lewis, is urging all businesses and support groups to assist. The event was last held in Guyana in 1967.
Speaking at the launching yesterday at Le Meridien Pegasus under the theme, 'One Movement One Destiny,' Lewis said that some 700 to 1,000 delegates from countries in the Caribbean and other parts of world are expected to attend the event.
Lewis, a retired commissioner of police, speaking about security arrangements in the light of the crime spree that has gripped the country, said that he had undertaken full responsibility for that, assuring that he would ensure that all the scouts were safe and wherever they were located was adequately secured from criminal elements.
Lewis also called for a revival of scouting in the country, pledging that he was prepared to lead the way in such an effort. Also at the launching was Minister of Tourism, Manzoor Nadir. He noted that when Lewis approached him about the event he did not hesitate to give his ministry's support.
Nadir said that he knew the value of such an event, and the youths of the Caribbean stood to gain tremendously from the interaction. The minister acknowledged that the event also had the potential to market Guyana's tourism product, noting that the 700-1,000 young people who are expected are potential leaders.
He announced that his ministry will undertake the promotions aspect of the event, both locally and overseas.
Meanwhile, permanent secretary within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Keith Booker, who represented Minister Gail Teixeira said that his ministry is fully supportive of the programme. He said that the scout association would normally receive a small subvention every year but the ministry is likely to give additional funding to help in the preparation of the event.
Meanwhile, addressing the concept and relevance of Carib Jam 2003, Camp Captain of the Guyana Scout Association, Gary Mendonca, said that the event was of great significance to scouting in Guyana and the Caribbean.
He said that it was an opportunity to demonstrate to the Guyanese public and the wider Caribbean community the camaraderie, uniqueness and educational value of the scout movement.