Challengers/Stone Fort Multi-purpose Centre officially opens

By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN what was noted as a long awaited ceremony, the Challenger’s Multi-purpose Centre was officially opened yesterday [Aug. 26] under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian. 

Government officials, special invited guests, staff, parents and members of the Challengers and Stone Fort communities flocked the lawn of the Centre to witness the ceremony that should significantly mark a change in community development in that area.

The body was addressed by many persons within whose jurisdiction the construction and opening of the Centre fall. It was unanimously expressed by the speakers that the Centre should symbolise a hub for change, growth, leadership, empowerment, shelter (in case of emergency) and childcare.

Coordinator of the Early Childhood Unit Vanta Walters expressed her satisfaction in the construction of what she termed “a model facility”. She explained that the mission statement, in which the Early Childhood Unit is guided, encourages the provision of high quality of care and education in the early stages in the lives of children.

“With our mission in mind, we are reminded of the need to provide quality education to children, specifically at that tender age. In fact, the establishment of this multi-purpose centre has helped us in accomplishing part of our mission as it will enhance the children’s early years,” Walters explained.

Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan Rong Chuan Wu also shared his remarks which reflected a similar contentment. 

“Four years ago, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis began this project to build this Multi-purpose Centre, and the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan aided in the financing of this project. Today, I am pleased that we were a part of this project,” he said.

Ambassador Wu declared that the Centre stands boldly as a landmark of the Challengers and Stone Fort communities. 

He has hopes for the Centre to be used to accommodate the needs of the people in the area and to act as a site for community activities ranging from athletics to academics and from social to spiritual development.

Among the featured speakers was the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, who echoed the sentiments of previous speakers.
 
He said the building is situated strategically to allow easy access by members of the community and stands on historic grounds, where the battle of the European and Amerindian settlers occurred. He also shared his expectations of how the Centre should be used.

He explained that the government is “promoting projects that will ensure the development of people, the young and elderly alike”. He added, “Indeed, it is a beautiful structure. It should be a place where the entire community can collectively gather their wisdom to achieve collective goals.”     ~~Adz:Right~~

Minister of Social Development the Hon. Rupert Herbert, who is also Parliamentary Representative for the area, declared the Challengers Multi-purpose Centre officially open and encouraged the community members to take pride in their very own first class facility.

The symbolical ribbon cutting was performed by Janet Maynard, a senior resident of the area, who has operated a small business for many years in the community. The attendees were given the opportunity to tour the facility for the first time, which was also graced with the presence of Sir Cuthbert Sebastian.

The $2.2m facility covers an area of approximately 14 400 square feet and houses a full day care centre and a community centre, which would also be used as an emergency shelter. The day care centre should comfortably accommodate 10 toddlers, 20 infants and 40 pre-schoolers, while the community centre comprises a general hall, computer learning resource centre, storage rooms and additional vacant rooms.

The Department of Public Works and Allies Construction were equally applauded for the quality of workmanship provided in the construction of the building. The day care centre already has a full staff of teachers and auxiliary workers and is scheduled to begin operation on Monday, September 1.