ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 14th, 2011 – Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Omar W. Hodge handed over the key for the community centre at Purcell Estate to Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC during the official opening and hand-over ceremony for the community centre at Purcell Estate.

The ceremony was held inside the centre’s auditorium on September 12 and was witnessed by Government officials, well-wishers and residents of the Purcell community. Minister Hodge in his remarks described the path taken to acquire the funding to complete the project.

The Minister also thanked several persons for the roles they played in making the centre a reality specifically his former and present permanent secretaries Mr. Clyde Lettsome and Mr. Ronald Smith Berkeley.

The Minister said that Purcell, one of the largest communities in the Territory, is a special village for him and it was only right that they had a community centre like other communities in the Territory

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal in his remarks congratulated the architect, builders, and workmen for the design, plan, and construction of the community centre.

He said, “People need a place to meet and greet” and that, “community centres have a useful purpose,” including serving as shelters during times of storm in addition to hosting social programmes and events.

The Health Minister congratulated Minister Hodge for delivering the centre and spoke of the significance and importance of the land on which the community centre was built. She also encouraged residents to cherish the centre.

“I would like to encourage the community to embrace this building and respect it. Not only are we to respect people but we must respect our property as well. Keep it clean and value it. Let us vow to keep it graffiti free and keep it as a place that everybody can be proud of, one that everyone can use and one that everybody will want to use. Maintain it well. Cherish the trees as they grow; have it as the beacon as it stands in this community today,” Hon. Penn said.

Other speakers at Monday’s hand over ceremony include the project’s contractor Mr. Greg Hodge of G-Unit Construction and project architect and supervisor Mr. Edwin Adams of Edwin Adams Architect.

Ms. Shirmel Benjamin, Head of the Purcell Progressive Committee delivered a community response where she thanked the Government for giving them ‘A place to call our own’ as it will be used as a ‘nexus for community activities’.

Ms. Heather James of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour chaired the ceremony while Mrs. Petrona N. Davies Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development delivered the Vote of thanks.

The cutting of the ribbon was performed by long time Purcell resident Mrs. Yoland Scott who was assisted by the government ministers. Following which, the attendees toured the newly opened centre.

The September 12th hand-over ceremony signalled the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour’s return of the centre to the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The centre houses spaces designated for a gymnasium, a learning resource centre and a number of social activities in addition to a full kitchen, the district representative’s office and an auditorium.

Through the delivery of the Community Centre at Purcell Estate, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour assisted the Ministry of Health and Social Development in catering to the social needs of the residents of the Purcell community by providing an avenue to enhance their quality of life.

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