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The project is being executed by DuraVilla Homes on two acres of lands.

The center will include a pool, a 100 percent local restaurant, parking as well as facilities to encourage occupants to exercise while in comfort.

This venture is also significant because it involves many women.

It is part of President Ali’s plan to get more women involved in Guyana’s development.

And Dr Ali said a similar project should be rolled out in the future and will see the involvement of 200 women.

“We just (did) this as a pilot. These were 120 women who individually owned maybe one or two million dollars. When they collectively came together maybe we have about 400 million dollars,” he said.

Menawhile, the venture also promotes the sustainable use of local timber and forest.

“Apart from using forest products, we are actually trying to promote awareness on the forest itself. So what we are going to have here in the environment is trying to bring out some of our timber species to be among the houses,” Basmatee Mohabeer, a representative of the Guyana Forestry Commission, said.

She added, “Along the roadway will have some trees. We will try to keep it the same seizes are the eco-lodges so it’s within the setting”

Following the completion of the Caribbean Premier League, the houses will be available to anyone interested.

The apology coincides with the month of national observances for the 1823 Demerara Slave Revolt that erupted on the Gladstone plantation at Success, East Coast Demerara.

It comes almost 200 years after enslaved Africans were given their freedom – emancipated – and amid mixed reactions with some Guyanese insisting that the apology was not enough.

The apology also extends to the period of indenture, another profitable period for thousands of British families. Tears flowed from the eyes of persons within the audience, others held placards in silence as one person periodically shouted, “not accepted.”

The moment of the apology lasted for less than five minutes but it changed the room’s atmosphere characterized by a spirit of oneness, humility and personal introspection.

Others, in accepting the apology, argue that it is the first step towards compensation and reparatory justice.

But despite the moment of uncertainty about what comes next, the apology was read to the end and a signed copy was handed over to the Chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee, Eric Phillips.

“With heartfelt sincerity, we apologise to the descendants of those enslaved in Guyana. In so doing, we acknowledge slavery’s continued impact on the daily lives of many.

“We understand that we cannot change history but we believe it can have an impact on the world in which we live and in apologising for the actions of our ancestors, we hope to work towards a better future,” Charles said.

While most persons in attendance, particularly those from the Reparations Committee, accepted the apology, some felt it did little to give impetus to the process of healing and understanding.

“We do accept the apology but we do not accept the agreement, the amount, we will not accept the amount.

“They need to go back to the drawing board and come again, it is very embarrassing,” an Afro-Guyanese woman said in rejection.

An assessment of financial reparations shows that the Dutch owe Guyana $40 billion while the British owe Guyana $1.2 trillion for their role and benefits derived from the slave trade.

Vice Chancellor of UG, Dr. Paloma Mohamed said no financial negotiations regarding reparations were discussed or agreed upon with the Gladstone heirs.

“Yes, it (the apology) is one that I can accept,” Ester Gittens, Secretary of the Reparations Committee told the News Room.

And for those who do not accept the apology, Gittens said, “Well, they need to be educated. They got to get involved because if they were part of the movement they would understand that a formal apology is step one and there is more to follow.”

And so, many Afro-Guyanese look forward to what is to follow.

One such person is Nicole Cole, a professional Clinical Social Work Practitioner and Constitutional Commissioner.

“The apology is one aspect…I cannot say that I accept the apology wholeheartedly.

“…I still feel as though the apology doesn’t go far enough to repair what has been done,” Cole said.

On Saturday, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) will host a special spiritual ceremony where they will ask African ancestors to accept the apology and provide forgiveness.

“His dedication to the well-being of our citizens and his tireless work in maintaining law and order is of public record and acclaim,” the Head of State said during the dedication ceremony on Friday at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

NISA was established in 2010; the building will now have displays of Dr. Luncheon’s work and achievements as a public figure in Guyana.

“It is fitting that the National Intelligence Security Agency building should be named after Dr Luncheon. We are not only also associating his legacy and caliber with national security…we are not only paying homage to a man of exceptional caliber but also associating his legacy with protecting our motherland,” Dr Ali said.

The Head of State added that Dr Luncheon, unfortunately, died before he could be awarded for his tremendous service to Guyana.

Dr Luncheon’s son, Shaka, in an emotional vote of thanks said, “The significance of this dedication goes beyond mere words that I can truly express.

“It stands for my father’s values, dedication to work hard to further not only the security but the continued development of Guyana and to be patriotic to not only his country but to our country we are truly humbled by this gesture.”