Avocat gets $8.6M community centre

Built at a cost of $8.6 million on lands donated by a villager, the single-storey centre is fully air-conditioned, equipped with an auditorium, kitchen, computer room, changing rooms, an administrative office and an audio-visual and sound room.

“We celebrate not only the creation of a valuable new facility for all of the residents of this area, but also the great well-spring of community spirit which drove this important initiative to its successful and inspiring conclusion,” Gadsby- Dolly said, adding she hopes the centre will really serve as a hub for community development in Ackbar Trace and environs.

She said the value of the building, however, goes well beyond its walls and doors. More than just a physical structure, she said it is a symbol of the commitment of the government to the implementation of programmes that rebuild the country, the economy and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

Gadsby-Dolly said since 2015, her government has opened 13 community centres and have commenced a series of sod-turnings.

“We know that community centres contribute greatly to quality of life in any community.

We believe that these centres play a pivotal role in building culturally rich and resilient communities and productive citizens.” The minister praised Michael Chattergoon, president of the village council, for his initiative and his perseverance towards the establishment of the centre.

“Our expectation is that you will make full use of this community centre, make it available to all residents and use the spaces to host the various groups for their practice, their meetings, for classes and whatever your community needs are in Ackbar Trace.” She echoed the words of MP for Fyzabad Dr Lackram Bodoe saying every group using the centre has responsibility for it. Once properly managed, she says, the facility can be the foundation for the development of future leaders of Fyzabad.

To those who donated the land for the community centre she thanked them for their vision, passion, dedication and tenacity.

Bodoe called on the people of Fyzabad to engage in community service and to keep culture alive by passing on the arts to the younger generations.