The Tribune

THANKS to the work of the Montel Heights Community Development Association, the residents of that area now have a community development centre.

Located on Mantol Street, the Leslie and Rita Bowe Montel Heights Community Centre was officially opened on December 16.

Among those participating in the ceremony was Glenys Hanna-Martin, MP for Englerston; Philip “Brave” Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works and Urban Development; Melanie Griffin, Minister of Social Services and Community Development; and opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

Senior government officials and residents of the area were also among the guests.

Entertainment was provided by Englerston Urban Renewal Band, Colours Junkanoo group, youth leaders and other young residents of the Montel Heights area.

Urban Renewal 2.0 co-chair, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt,s told the residents that the building is a place where they can go to receive instruction on how to read, write and behave.

“This building is yours,” she said. “You have to help us keep it. You can be in the area, but you don’t have to be of the area. When everybody else says yes let’s do it, you make the difference and say that’s not the right way.”

Social Services and Community Development Minister Melanie Griffin said if the association continues the work it is doing, its members will have great success and change the face of their community.

“I have come to realise that community development can only reach its maximum potential when people within the community take the lead in determining how the community develops and sets its goals,” Mrs Griffin said.

She offered the services of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, including a team from the Outreach Centre on Robinson Road, Urban Renewal officers, and technical assistance to help with the programmes the association would like to offer.

Mr Davis encouraged residents of the area to continue to work as a team.

“Many can help one better than one can help many. You in this community now know where you can come to find food, to find your shelter and find water to quench your thirst. This is about looking out for each other,” he said.

Mrs Hanna-Martin was presented with an award by the Montel Heights Community Development Association for her contribution to the new centre.

The land on which the building stands was donated by Leslie and Inguerita Bowe.

Rev Clinton Minnis is the president of the Montel Heights Community Development Association.