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The faces behind philanthropy in Albouystown
Guyana Able Sports and Disabled Organisation…
Albouystown has long been identified as one of several places in Guyana where particular focus is needed for youths. This is in order to stimulate personal development and ensure that everyone has an equal
A donation to several persons who are disabled.
chance at being a contributing member of society.
The Guyana Able Sports and Disabled Organisation is one Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) which has played an important role in ensuring this balance. By spearheading social work in Albouystown, the NGO has served to bring a measure of happiness back to the community with each selfless act.
The organisation has not been alone in its work. While there are many in the private sector who make it their mission to help the less fortunate, they take no credit for themselves and try to avoid the limelight.
The founder of the NGO is Omar Cooper, himself partially disabled following a horrific accident back in the 1990s. He stated that support has been forthcoming from a wide cross section of society including business tycoons, police top brass and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG).
Cooper said that they have been involved in sharing blankets, bicycles and even clothes. However, he stated that their work has been somewhat hampered by the lack of a formal office. He revealed that for some time he has been coordinating the group’s activities from the CIOG.
Cooper reeled off the names of a number of people who have played a large part in uplifting Albouystown, but he lamented the fact that a lot of the good that they have done is not highlighted and this may have led to the somewhat lackluster support being experienced now.
“Yesu Persaud, Kubalall, Hamilton Green, Red Cross,” he said. “Colonel Hussein worked with us. We formed a scout group. He would carry them and train them, discipline, jogging and other activities. When he was a part of us he disciplined the youths, trained them about etiquette.”
A bike being presented to a youth
He was in high praises for Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken. Cooper noted the interest that the commander showed in the exercises.
“Hicken is a practical man. He would be in the street with his uniform and if he see you riding away he would call you and ask, ‘You have something against the police? You can tell me what happen.’ And he would shake (the person’s) hand.”
Omar Cooper was also high in praise for Roshan Khan of RK Security, whom he noted, provided a steady stream of supplies and food to disabled people and Seventh Day Adventists. He also singled out Yesu Persaud.
Cooper stated that while Persaud was a stranger, the group approached him and asked for support. Cooper related that the response had been a positive one, as Persaud sent carpenters, builders and other requisite support for the organization’s cause.
“I went and solicited the bicycles. Last year, I collected sports gear from Minister (within the Ministry of Education), Nicolette Henry. And we collaborated with the Linden Masjid and supplied football, volleyball, basketball.”
He noted that cell phone store Gizmos and Gadgets had also contributed significantly. He recalled an instance when the organisation was assisting a gunshot wound victim. He recalled the assistance the store gave.
Cooper’s work was varied before the accident that would leave him with limited use of his own body. He worked on a sugar estate, as well as in the police force; Cooper’s life was changed forever.
“A GuySuCo truck hit a minibus. And five persons died on the spot. I was in the middle of the front seat. But the experts said that because the radiator was in the middle it saved me. My hand went through the windshield and perished. I went to the hospital and spent over seven months there. My eyes were damaged.”
According to Cooper, his empathy for the disabled is not just a result of his own disability. Stressing that the disabled were citizens just like everyone and protected by the Laws of Guyana, he stated that while he was disabled it would do no good for him to sit and mope.
Having met with President David Granger and participated in the much vaunted three ‘B’s’ programme, Cooper was highly appreciative of the need to continue outreaches in Albouystown.
And he issued an appeal for previous donors to not forsake the program now, when they were on the brink of truly realizing Albouystown’s potential.
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