Fonrose Village gets new recreational facility

Ramdeen said that “the decision was taken to host activities in the different districts for the benefit of its burgesses, since the corporation has responsibility for the second largest landmass in the country.”

The activities commenced with the corporation’s “legacy project”, the commissioning of a brand new state-of-the-art recreational facility in the rural village of Fonrose in Poole (close to Rio Claro). Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Local Government Dr Surujrattan Rambachan said he was impressed with the fact that the facility was constructed almost completely by labour provided by villagers. “I want to commend the corporation for its vision as this modern facility could be used as a multi-purpose hall for community events as well as a school for teaching art and crafts and sports,” he said.

He urged the chairman to consider installing a computer room so that students in the remote area can benefit from Internet services.

Ramdeen said the modern facility sets the pace in one of the many projects that the corporation intends to put in place for the rural region in the future.

The highlight of the afternoon’s proceedings was the unveiling of a copper monument to the nation’s 50th anniversary, installed at the front of the building. The monument was designed by Brian Sinanan, a first year art student at UWI. Also speaking at the function was Member of Parliament for the area and Minister of Community Development, Winston Peters. This facility, said Peters, is the first of its kind in the region and will be of tremendous benefit to the youths and sporting organisations. He promised that the People’s Partnership government will ensure that upgrades on the adjoining recreational ground are accelerated and urged the community to protect the facilities against miscreants and vandals.

Commending the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation for this initiative, Peters said the commissioning of such a facility came as the nation celebrates 50 years of Independence and the historic achievement of the Olympic team and so he envisioned the Fonrose facility as an axis for the transformation of quality sporting activities and healthy living.