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Linden honours first mayor with conference centre
EU Ambassador Geert Heikens and Eileen Benjamin unveil a plaque on the occasion of the launching of the Conference Centre
The Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre was officially handed over to the Mayor and Town Council of Linden on Thursday at a simple ceremony at the facility.
Among those present at the handing over ceremony were Ambassador of the European Union, Geert Heikens; Senior executives of the Linden Economic Advancement Programme; Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee, Orrin Gordon; and widow of Egbert Benjamin, Eileen Benjamin. There were also a few family members.
Located on the grounds of the old Mackenzie Bandstand, the Exhibition Centre was named after the late Egbert Benjamin, Linden’s first Mayor.
An integral aspect of the Mackenzie River Front Development concept, the infrastructural works which cost some $44million was borne entirely by LEAP.
Benjamin’s widow, Eileen Benjamin, expressed her family’s appreciation for the community’s honouring of her husband’s memory in such a tangible way.
She said that she thought it was a fitting tribute for a man who dedicated most of his life to serving the Linden community, not only in his capacity as Mayor, but in other tangible ways.
Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo, in his brief remarks before the official opening of the Centre, said that the facility speaks of development within the community, and that it is therefore only apt that all should ensure its sustainability and longevity. He also thanked LEAP for facilitating the building of the Centre.
IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon also thanked LEAP and the European Union, which he called a magnanimous benefactor, for enabling the establishment of the facility. Gordon also pledged $250,000 to the committee appointed by his municipality to manage the facility.
And EU Ambassador, Geert Heikens, who travelled to Linden especially for the event, said that LEAP, which was funded by the European Union has produced alot of concrete results, and alluded to the Business Centre which has approximately 350 clients, among its accomplishments.
He thanked the management and staff of LEAP for a job well done, but singled out International Project Manager Kathleen Whalen for special mention, and pointed to her professionalism and competence in executing her tasks.
After the short ceremony, which included a tribute to the late Mayor by Gloria Britton, who herself was a Mayor, the ribbon was cut to officially declare the facility open, and the photograph of Benjamin was unveiled by his widow Eileen and the EU Ambassador.
The Exhibition Centre will facilitate the display of goods and products manufactured within the Region. In addition to exhibitions, the facility is also available for rental for conferences, weddings and other indoor activities.
This uniquely beautiful facility which enhances and celebrates the river front, is also expected to boost activities geared to entertain the entire family, as the grounds which provide a beautiful view of the Demerara River, is expected to soon be converted into a mini park with appropriate landscaping and seating arrangements.
The centre has a floor space of 4080 square feet, capable of accommodating 30 units (8’x 10’) with an additional 10 units along the connecting walkway. The total floor area is 3,590 square feet and consists of units suitable for a food court and bar, storage and office space.
(Enid Joaquin)
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