Christmas came early for Saxacalli

Dec 25, 2015 News

Scotiabank staffers pose with several adult residents and children from the Saxacalli area following the gift distribution.

Christmas came early for residents of Saxacalli, Essequibo River, as members of staff from the Robb Street branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia visited the riverain community on December 12, 2015 to distribute gifts to the children.
Saxacalli is located on the West Bank of the Essequibo River, 25 miles south of Parika. This village is said to have some of the best inland beaches in Guyana and relies mostly on small scale logging and farming for its main source of income. It has a population of approximately 250.
Former resident, Yvette Paulette Irving, medical laboratory scientist and founder/owner of Qualitest, is the woman behind the ”Saxacalli project”. She has partnered with the bank since 2012, to give back to this small inland community.
A list was sent to Irving earlier in the year with the names of all the children living in Saxacalli, and Irving, along with the Bank of Nova Scotia, began preparations for Christmas gift donations in the form of toys, food and clothing, ensuring every child receives a gift.
Although the community is small, residents are active and enjoy playing cricket or football. This year the Branch Manager, Brian Hackett, also presented footballs to the boys in the community while distributing gifts to the children. The children were all smiles and dressed up for the occasion.
The staff of the branch enjoyed playing several games with the children as well.
Saxacalli is a close-knit and family-based community.