Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell who is also the elected Member of Parliament for St David has told Parliament that several Community Centers are under construction in his constituency.
In his contribution to the 2024 Budget Debate, the Prime Minister disclosed that five community centers have been built over the “last 15 months” geared towards youth development.
“We have renovated the Belle Isle community center…Berrotte Community center, the Corinth Community center is 90% complete with renovations (and) we have started work on a community center in Vincennes,” he said.
According to PM Dickon Mitchell, the Berrotte community center will be a focal point with renovations happening on the building for the first time since it was destroyed during Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
“That was a community center we met with three or four walls upright… no roof – quarter of a building…” he told Parliamentarians.
He said the community centers in St David have been placed on the back burner for the last ten years by the former New National Party (NNP) of Keith Mitchell.
“How are people to meet, to greet and move their communities forward if they have no place to meet?”
Former Foreign Minister Oliver Joseph has been the Member of Parliament for NNP in control of St David since 2013.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced that the private sector and churches throughout St. David’s should be credited for their assistance to the renovation work on the various community centers.
He also singled out for mention the resident Ambassador of China to Grenada for providing funds towards the Community center initiatives.
In a direct attack on the previous leaders for their lukewarm approach to renovating community centers over the years, the Grenadian leader said: “Some may come in here and talk about no consultation with social partners including the church. We do more than consult; we partner, we work together and we deliver.”
The Prime Minister reported to Parliament that Community playgrounds will also be a feature throughout the parish in the New Year.
“There are absolutely no playgrounds for children or for that matter adults in St. David’s except in private educational facilities. When we think about (it) we ask ourselves – what kind of community have we not been building?”
PM Dickon Mitchell disclosed that the planned playgrounds will be placed close to the playing fields.
He also gave assurances that the plight of all basketball courts in primary and secondary school will be addressed by the Congress administration.
This will be done, he said by “ensuring” that hoops and nets can be built… “so that our young persons in particular can have the opportunity to play sports and have access to these facilities.”
“We are here to represent our community,” said the 46-year old Barrister-at-law.