Joy for Glacis as community centre opens |07 December 2009
The historic event was also attended by former President James Mancham, Vice-President Joseph Belmont, Community Development, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Vincent Meriton, Minister for Employment and Human Resources Development Macsuzy Mondon and other senior government officials.
Also present were the district’s MNA Dr David Payet, the administrator Guilly Anacoura, members of social clubs and residents.
Addressing the audience, Mr Meriton said the government has once again responded to the needs of our communities.
“Today Glacis has joined other districts such as Roche Caïman, Les Mamelles, Anse Etoile and Takamaka, which have recently got their new community centre,” he said.
He added that the total investment has cost the government about R25 million and it has continued to build new infrastructure in the communities such as roads, bridges and bus 
He said this year the government has spent R10 million to complete various small projects in all districts, and next year it expects to spend a total of R20 million.
“It remains the engagement of the government to develop the communities, and when funding is made available we will continue to build these centres,” said Mr Meriton.
He said community development helps to improve human relations and the stability of families, and he called on residents to play an active part in the way their district is run.
“I call on the district’s social committee and the new taskforce that we have just established to help combat the social ills that are becoming prevalent in our communities and to do their best to make a difference,” he said.
Mr Meriton asked local groups such as Neighbourhood Recreational Activities, the Senior Citizens’ Association, people with disabilities and youth clubs to use their centre to the maximum.
“The centre will bring more educational, religious and cultural activities to the district and hopefully bring more harmony among the people,” he said.
“Resources will be made available to help the youths, and they will get training so they can submit their projects and get the necessary funding,” he added.
Mr Anacoura said for more than 40 years they have been using the parish hall for various district activities and today they are happy to have finally got their own community centre.
He said the project, which has cost the government R5 million, started in 2007 and was completed in September this year.
Mr Anacoura said the centre was built by the China State Construction and its architecture was done by Daniel Blackburn.
“This centre has a main hall and an IT room, games room, meeting room along with toilets and it will regroup people in the community,” he said.
He said this will be a place where the different groups can meet to share their opinions, talents and experience through many activities
During the ceremony, Minister Meriton and Mr Anacoura unveiled the commemoration plaque after the blessing of the new centre by Bishop French Chang-Him and the parish priest Father Audam.
And the audience got the chance to visit the centre after the district’s senior citizen chairperson Marguerite Marie and NRA member Rebecca Houareau cut the ribbon at the entrance.
Cultural performances by residents and portraits exhibition by local artist Leon Radegonde were among the activities on the programme.
The event ended with an open bazaar and a night fair on the football field next to the new centre.
