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| St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas delivering the feature address at the opening of the new St. Paul's Community Center. |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (APRIL 20TH 2004) - Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Six, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas has challenged the recently established St. Paul’s Community Center and other groups in the village to fully utilise the new EC$1.2 million facility.
He told residents, as well as invited guests including, Governor General, His Excellency, Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, Cabinet Ministers and officials, attending the official opening that the multi-purpose center will also play a critical role as a shelter in times of emergencies.
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| Computer, Internet and Library Services are available at the new St. Paul's Community Center (All photos by Erasmus Williams) |
“It must be perceived, therefore, that the center would be used for the development of people through education, training, recreation, services and a venue for meetings for the exchange of ideas, the support of community organisations, and ultimately the strengthening and sustenance of vitality in this community of St. Paul’s,” said Prime Minister Douglas, adding: “One must also perceive this center as a partnership that is embodied in the attributes of caring, commitment, community spirit and pride.”
He called on residents to view the center “as a resource to be used in helping each other to rise above our present circumstances, motivating each other to strive for all things good, productive and right.”
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| Ms. Iris Elliott cuts the ribbon with the assistance of Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Co-operatives, Lands and Housing, the Hon. Cedric Liburd; Parliamentary Representative and Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas and Minister of Social Development, Community and Gender Affairs, the Hon. Rupert Herbert. |
Dr. Douglas said his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government has embarked upon a programme of community center development as such centers are crucial in providing a focal point around which community-based activities could be organised and implemented for the sole purpose of improving the quality of life for the people in the communities.
“We believe that as communities utilise the facilities with increasing effectiveness, we shall see purposeful transformation in community life and individual development which is so critical for community and national development,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who said that the Ministry of Social Development would continue to build a relationship with each community, helping to facilitate the needs and concerns.
Dr. Douglas said the use of the St. Paul’s Community Center is not just about programmes being facilitated through the Ministry of Social Development. “Just as important, it is about the many ideas you may have about how this center would best serve your own community. I encourage you, therefore, to become fully involved in the development of programmes and activities that could be hosted here at the center, as you engage yourselves in the development of your community,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who challenged several groups in the village to use the center to the fullest.
“I challenge therefore, the St. Paul’s Diabetes and Hypertension Group to follow through on your own planned programmes and organised day-care services for the elderly, one particular service that has already being identified by the Minister, when he spoke earlier. I also challenge the Youth Empowering St. Paul’s group to organise their time and to use their own Reading Club to provide the library and computer services of the Learning Resource Center that will be situated here in this facility for the young people of this community in particular and I urge you to do so very urgently,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He also urged the recently established St. Paul’s Community Council to take up their responsibility and organise various programmes to benefit residents.
Also speaking were the Minister of Social Development, Community and Gender Affairs, the Hon. Rupert Herbert and his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Linda Adams, who gave the welcome remarks.
Master Yannick Mills rendered the National Anthem; Rev. Janet Paul, the Invocation; Mrs. Millicent Connor, a Poem; Ms. Ava Dickenson, a solo and Miss Adina Connor, Principal of the St. Paul’s Primary School, who gave the Vote of Thanks.
The cutting of the ribbon was done by the eldest resident in the village, 98-year-old Ms. Iris Elliott, who was presented with a bouquet by Taerani Phillip.
The ceremony was one of several activities to mark the 15th Anniversary as a Parliamentarian of Prime Minister Douglas.
