SBM Offshore has announced a new initiative in collaboration with Food For the Poor (Guyana) to build a community center in Little Red Village on the Essequibo Coast. The partnership was formalized during a ceremony held on August 29, where SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong, pledged the company’s support for the project.
Food For the Poor (Guyana) Inc. will lead the project’s execution. Known for its track record in community-based initiatives, the organization will manage the construction and work closely with local stakeholders to ensure the center aligns with the community’s needs.
At the ceremony, Kevin Lowe, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, expressed deep appreciation to both SBM Offshore and Food For the Poor. “This community center is more than just a building—it is a gift that will help build our lives and those of future generations,” Lowe said. He encouraged community members to value and maintain the new facility.
The upcoming 1,200-square-foot community center will serve as a vital hub for educational programs, vocational training, health workshops, and social events. It aims to provide a space where residents, particularly the youth, can gather, learn, and enhance their skills, fostering unity and improving quality of life.
Martin Cheong highlighted SBM Offshore’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and local support. “Our focus extends beyond offshore oil production. We are dedicated to supporting Guyanese communities and collaborating with local organizations to create meaningful change. Our efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” Cheong said.
Andrea Benjamin, CEO of Food For the Poor (Guyana), discussed the significance of community infrastructure investments. She reminisced about the village’s establishment 15 years ago, a project that provided vulnerable families with housing, sanitation, and water. Benjamin emphasized the need for additional community facilities, noting that the new center will enhance social cohesion and community bonds.
Regional Chairwoman Vilma De Silva also addressed the gathering, urging women to leverage the center’s opportunities for personal and professional growth. She shared her own success story, attributing her achievements to community training sessions and workshops. “Take a page from my book,” De Silva advised, reflecting on her journey from starting a small business to exporting coconut water to Trinidad & Tobago. She also urged the community to maintain the center as a lasting asset.
Construction of the community center is set to begin between October and November 2024, with an expected completion timeline of six months. The facility will include sanitary amenities, electrical wiring, and a water trestle, making it a cornerstone for the village.
This collaboration between SBM Offshore Guyana and Food For the Poor (Guyana) demonstrates the impact of joint efforts in fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of underserved populations.
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