Jesuit Missions UK

Guyana was once the most productive of the British Caribbean colonies but, for many people living on the coastlands today, their life is ravaged with racial tension, desperate poverty and deep rooted corruption: An all too familiar story in ex-colonies and a legacy from the devastating policies that followed in the wake of the British. Today more Guyanese have fled the country than remain there.

The capital Georgetown is populated by roughly one third of the country’s 750,000 people (2003 estimate FCO) and is dominated by dilapidated streets, run down houses and terrible street violence that is often responded to by the cold hand of terrifying reprisals rather than the swift hand of justice. The Jesuits, faithful to their mission of accompanying the Guyanese through the delights and the despairs of their lives, aside from a myriad of other programs have initiated a Feeding program which is feeding more than 80 young children every day.

The feeding program is in the St Pius X Parish in the heart of Georgetown, in one of its most run down areas. The program was begun by Fr Tony D’Souza SJ and after his move to Trinidad, he was succeeded by Fr De Mello SJ. By employing 3 ladies to prepare 80 meals each day, the program creates a small income for three previously unfulfilled women and mind, soul and body enriching food for those who have to pick up the pieces of their country when they mature. To enhance further the effectiveness of the program, Fr De Mello is hoping to extend the feeding program. However, since many of the children are not met by their parents until well after the school day has finished, he is hoping to build a secure playground for the children, protecting them from the dangers of the streets whilst giving them a safe environment to relax in. Something that we take for granted and that the average Guyanese have had taken from them.

Any long term investment in the future of any people must involve the young and by supporting this program you will be preventing diseases and nourishing fertile young minds which, with help, hope and hard work will harvest a new future for the land of many waters.

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