Community centre brings hope for St James residents

Residents of Catherine Hall and its neighbouring districts are anticipating the completion of the community centre, which will provide an avenue for further community enrichment and facilitate sustainable development.

Refurbishing work on the centre began some four months ago after residents reclaimed the structure, which had been used as a garage for more than a decade.

The work is being spearheaded by the councillor in partnership with the member of parliament, and the centre will be equipped with space for a computer room, meetings, skills training, social events and music classes.

However, for the people of Catherine Hall, the long-overdue community centre is a godsend as it represents the opportunity for the community to work and organise itself to the benefit of everyone, particularly the youth.

“One of the objectives for the community centre is that we are going to use it to target youngsters,” Melvin Grant, president of the Catherine Hall United Force for Change, told WESTERN STAR.

“The youths are the ones giving the trouble, so we are trying our best to see how we can get them in the computer class, dining room training, and music class and get them engaged. This community centre will be a beacon of upliftment,” he added.

ADDING TO THE COMMUNITY

Meanwhile, residents are anticipating the opening of the facility in the next few months, and they say it will complement other activities in the community, such as plans to construct a basketball court.

“We are also now in the process of getting a football competition started on July 22. We are trying to see if we can bring some unity in the community,” said Grant.

Another resident, Paul Wilson, echoed those sentiments, noting that a community centre is needed to fulfil the community’s goals.

“Right now, the community is without an office or meeting place as we have to be using the Howard Cooke Primary School for anything. With the centre, we will be able to accommodate all these things and get things moving again in Catherine Hall,” he outlined.

– O.H.