Buxton/Friendship, Guyana – Sunday June 29th, 2014 – Cimbux Inc. (Committee for the Improvement of Buxton Inc.) held its first "Economic Development Conference" at the Friendship Primary School, Friendship Village, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. The theme was "Reviving Buxton/ Friendship Village Economy" and fostering sustainable development for Vigilance, Annandale, and the surrounding villages.
Buxton/Friendship, Guyana – Sunday June 29th, 2014 – Cimbux Inc. (Committee for the Improvement of Buxton Inc.) held its first "Economic Development Conference" at the Friendship Primary School, Friendship Village, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. The theme was "Reviving Buxton/ Friendship Village Economy" and fostering sustainable development for Vigilance, Annandale, and the surrounding villages.
The seminar was sponsored based on the decline in the social and economic conditions in the villages over the years. It was coordinated by Mr. Keith Easton – Vice President, of Cimbux Inc. of the U.S.A, and Guyana’s, Mr. Deon Abrams, Educator, Community Activist, and TV host, along with Assistant Coordinator, Ms. Yvette Herod, Community Activist and Founder of Toucan 11 Multipurpose club in Buxton. Both persons are honorees of Cimbux Inc.
The panel included Mr. Aubrey Stephenson, a Buxtonian and President of Federal Management Systems Inc. He also owns businesses in Guyana, the USA and other countries. Also present were Mr. Christopher Ram, well known Attorney, Accountant and writer, Mr. Curbette Victorine, Agriculturist and Mr. Owen McGarrell, retired head teacher of the Practical Instructional Center (PIC) in Buxton/Friendship. A paper on the Village Economy was prepared by Brother Eusi Kwayana for presentation.
This seminar attracted approximately 200 persons in a packed auditorium, from Buxton, Friendship, and the neighboring villages of Beterverwagting, Annandale, Vigilance and Melanie. Support came from remigrant Buxtonians, including Mr. Donald Thomas, who started Cimbux in the USA. Cimbux was the first Buxtonian organization in North America at the time of its creation.
The Moderator was Mr. Deon Abrams, assisted by Ms. Yvette Herod and Mr. Kidackie Amsterdam, educator, community activist and principal and owner of the KADAMS School of Excellence, a private school in Buxton Village.
The seminar was opened by Keith Easton, vice president of Cimbux Inc., who travelled from Maryland specifically for the occasion. He first extended greetings from the president of Cimbux, Mr. Horace Azore, and the board of directors. Easton stated that as a result of the decline in the village economy, he discussed the holding of the seminar first in 2012 with members of this committee when he was launching his book on the Buxton Garment Factory, at the existing site. The garment factory was Buxton/Friendship’s largest employer and was a cooperative formed by Brother Eusi Kwayana among others.
Mr. Easton applauded the committee for staying the course to see the reality of the success of this memorable seminar and thanked them for their commitment, punctuality and hard work.
The first presentation was by Mr. Stephenson of FMS, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Maureen Booker- Stephenson, and their daughter, Abigail. He discussed the challenges of starting, managing and running businesses. He explained that while loans are necessary, one can start small and grow while at the same time making sacrifices, which he said could also be the means of securing start-up capital. Mr. Stephenson distributed applications forms for employment with his businesses in Georgetown, Guyana.
Mr. Victorine and Mr. McGarrell discussed the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry along with the need for proper management. They called on participants to utilize the farming base that was historically established in the villages.
Mr. Christopher Ram demonstrated his professional knowledge in accounting by outlining the need for good record-keeping which is invaluable for internal management and for making applications for loans and other funding for the business.
Mr. Easton, also presented a paper on the Village Economy that was written by Brother Eusi Kwayana who acknowledged the efforts of villagers in business and suggested various business opportunities. Further emphasis was placed on the need for villagers to utilize the backlands left by their ancestors — illegally handed over in ignorance to the Regional Councils. Kwayana suggested the need to set up two national non-partisan commissions on National Land use. This commission he said should also examine the mineral bearing areas. A system for the fair distribution of contracts that take into account all communities in Guyana, among other things was suggested.
After reading of Kwayana's paper, Easton encouraged villagers to aim to bring more money into the village rather than to continue the current trend of spending all of their monies outside the village.
The final presentation came from a representative of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF). Captain Naul encouraged participants to apply for the numerous job opportunities in the military. The GDF also provided health and blood pressure screenings along with their displays. This group along with Federal Management Systems contributed to our Job Fair.
Notably absent, were financial institutions and international funding agencies which were invited to supply information on business loans and funding opportunities.
The organizers and attendees stated that they were looking forward to next year's seminar as a follow up with the expectation of seeing businesses that were set up as a result of this gathering. Attendees received a Cimbux souvenir bag with information on CIMBUX and the various scholarships available to Buxtonians that are managed by the organization.
Members were invited to apply for Cimbux scholarships in Accounting and the Allied Health Professions that were set up by Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson.
Keith Easton,
Cimbux Inc.Vce President.USA. (For Committee)
