'Take care of what you have!' - Security minister encourages vigilance
Published:Friday | June 17, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
MINISTER OF National Security Dwight Nelson on Wednesday implored residents of Homestead, St Catherine, to be vigilant against thieves and vandals in their communities.
Speaking during the opening of the Homestead Community Centre, Nelson said: "The time is here when you need to take care of what you have, and this centre is an empowerment centre."
The centre was built under the Poverty Reduction Programme II, through support from Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the European Union at a cost of J$44 million.
In his remarks, councillor for the Homestead division, Owen Palmer, said a unified approach resulted in the centre becoming a reality.
"Put down the guns, look around you and realise that persons outside will help if we unite," Palmer said while urging residents to take care of the centre.
The centre also has a football field, volleyball court and a computer laboratory.
Head of the European Union delegation, Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni, said the centre is the 16th such project to be undertaken islandwide under the European Union's Poverty Reduction Programme II.
Meanwhile, the residents told The Gleaner that they are thankful for the facility.
"Children and adults alike can become computer literate and be more productive in the community," Denzil Hammond said.
Member of Parliament Olivia 'Babsy' Grange said the development is simply "fantastic".
She also used the opportunity to inform residents of the changes in the political boundary, noting that her name will not be on their constituency ballot during the next general election.
"I want you to put political differences aside, work in unity and I am confident that this community will grow," Grange said.
The member of parliament, who told The Gleaner that she has been close to Homestead, said she will remain connected to the residents.
"I was elected to the Central St Catherine constituency since 1994 and have been here since," Grange continued.
She said the community has come a far way, and now have committees that are helping to foster growth.
Homestead and a section of Sydenham are two of the divisions that will form the new constituency, which is one of three created by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.