KINGSTON - A team of officials from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) distributed a quantity of children life jackets to schools in Mabaruma, Region One (1) North West District on July 10, 2014.
The distribution of life jackets runs parallel with the Department’s ongoing countrywide maritime safety awareness campaign. This is all part of an initiative to distribute life jackets to school children in the hinterland areas.
A total of 145 life jackets were distributed on this occasion to four schools along the Barima and Aruka Rivers, namely St. Peter and Paul Primary, and Anselm's Primary Schools located in the Barima River; and St. Dominique's and the Sacred Heart Primary Schools in the Aruka River.
On receiving the life jackets for the St. Peter and Paul Primary School, teacher Sharlin Jeffrey, thanked MARAD for the gesture and emphasized that maritime safety would be considered when traversing the waterways.
Maria De Costa of the Anselm's Primary School expressed her gratitude and also said that she will ensure that her students wear their jackets at all times when in a boat.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Franciana Boyer and Brian Nazier, teachers of the St Dominique's and Sacred Heart Schools respectively, who said they heard of the countrywide distribution of life jackets and were eager for the donation to the schools in the area.
The Maritime Administration Department will continue its safety campaign throughout the country as safety on Guyana’s waterways remains MARAD's priority.
