The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

A COMMUNITY centre operated by an Urban Renewal Co-Chairperson was ransacked by thieves who made off with $12,000 worth of equipment.

The centre, said Cynthia "Mother" Pratt, has for several years been a staple in the St Cecilia constituency, offering free skills training for persons living in the area. The facility is located on Market Street, South of Andros Avenue.

Mrs Pratt, who also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for that area during the Christie administration's 2002 term in office was emotional as she recalled how the incident would affect the hundreds of persons who depend on the facility's offerings for empowerment. 

"I was upset and disappointed about this,” she said. “It really hurt my heart to think that someone could have the heart to take away something that was giving back to so many people. When I think about the teen mothers and people who came there not being able to read, but could by the time they were done there and could find good jobs, I am really frustrated.  “What we do at the centre is for the people."

Up until the incident, almost 1,000 persons were receiving training in several computer programmes, including QuickBooks and Microsoft Word and Excel. During the school year, BJC classes were also available.

And although the thieves took 11 of the 12 computers, which were purchased with constituency funds while she served as MP, Mrs Pratt said her work in the community would continue regardless of the obstacles that would arise.

"It will not stop me, if I have to start again with one computer, we will begin until we can get more," she said.

While staff at the centre said it was not clear when the incident occurred – the third over the years – they could confirm that a formal complaint was made with police last Thursday.