Two more community centres refurbished

More than seven years after Hurricane Irma, the government has finished repairing the fifth and sixth community centres damaged by the storm.

In two ceremonies held last week, the Ministry of Health and Social Development received the keys to centres in Cane Garden Bay and East End/Long Look.

Both were restored to meet Pan-American Health Organisation “SMART” standards, according to HSD Minister Vincent Wheatley.

“To the people of the community, the centre is your space — your place to gather, connect and celebrate,” Mr. Wheatley said during the re-opening of the EE/LL centre on Oct. 18. “Community centres have been integral to the Virgin Islands, hosting our cherished events and serving as places for our [seniors] to socialise.”

The refurbished East End/Long Look Community Centre (above) was handed over on Oct. 18. (Photos GIS)

He added that the centres also serve as emergency shelters during disasters, “reinforcing the need for their upkeep and readiness,” according to government.

Irma damages

During Irma, however, several community centres were badly damaged, and residents sheltering in the East End/Long Look facility evacuated during the eye of the storm.

The centre has now been refurbished by Quality Construction Limited under a $514,593.90 contract that included repairs to the air-conditioning system, roof, ceiling, plumbing and millworks, as well as the installation of hurricane shutters, according to Mr. Wheatley.

‘Central points’

Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, the Seventh District representative, expressed satisfaction at the centre’s completion.

“When used and managed properly, community centres become central points for community development, helping well-bonded communities to thrive,” he said. “One thing that we can be very proud of is that we have strong and well-bonded communities, and our people see the value in community involvement.”

Opposition member Marlon Penn, who represents the Eighth District, said the centre has served in many capacities.

“It means everything to the people of the Seventh and Eighth districts, and I am happy and delighted that we have here a complete and functional facility for our people,” he said.

In Cane Garden Bay

At the Oct. 15 handover ceremony for the Cane Garden Bay centre, opposition member Mitch Turnbull, who represents the Second District, highlighted the facility’s dual role as a community hub and a clinic.

“This centre is essential for Cane Garden Bay,” he said. “With plans for after-school tutoring and adult education programmes, it will serve our community in even more meaningful ways.”

The refurbished Cane Garden Bay Community Centre (above) was handed over on Oct. 15. (Photos GIS)

The Cane Garden Bay centre was refurbished by No Limit Construction under a contract worth $327,526.09, according to Mr. Wheatley.

“The scope of works included painting; tiling; upgrades to the electrical and plumbing system; roof and ceiling repairs; installation of a new central AC system; kitchen repairs; and other millworks,” he told the House of Assembly on Friday.

Other centres

The projects are part of the ministry’s broader efforts to repair community centres damaged in 2017.

Repairs to the West End Community Centre were completed in November 2021. Then in February 2023, three more refurbished centres were handed over: the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay; the Emile Dunlop Community Centre on Anegada; and the Gertrude and Christiana Warner Community Centre in Purcell Estate.

The projects were supported by the European Union and the Pan American Health Organization, working closely through the Premier’s