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Glendevon Training Centre set for December opening

Published:Saturday | October 8, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Work in progress at the centre in Glendevon, Montego Bay, St James. INSET: This room is being prepared to be the reception area for the Glendevon Trade Training Centre For Excellence.- Photos by Barrington Flemming
Fletcher
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WESTERN BUREAU:The transformation of the old Glendevon Market into the Glendevon Trade Training Centre for Excellence in Montego Bay is continuing apace to meet the December deadline.

Chairman of the centre, Patrick Fletcher, says the building is now 55 per cent complete, and the contractor has assured him that the project will be completed on time.

"They have replaced the steel framing, they replaced some of the beams, and they have repaired others. There are also new walls being constructed, and we are on track to be ready in December to ensure that we have a soft opening in January."

The building is being rehabilitated at a cost of $45 million.

The scope of work includes replacement of sections of the roof as well as doors and windows. Plumbing and electrical work is to be carried out, along with the fencing of the property, construction of a computer laboratory, and renovation of the day-care centre.

The project is being supported by the Caribbean Development Bank's Basic Needs Trust Fund, with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund as the implementing agency, and support from the Ministry of National Security and Justice and HEART Trust/NTA.

Fletcher indicated that initially, the centre would be offering two disciplines: food service and computer application.

"As it relates to computer application, we're going to be doing website design and development as well as computer programming."

day-care centre

Fletcher said that a building adjoining the market was also being refurbished. "It will be used for a day-care and child-development centre, so the ladies will learn childcare and child psychology, and early childhood development and education."

On completion, the Glendevon Centre of Excellence will accommodate up to 200 students, and subjects on offer will include property management, landscaping, building maintenance, information technology, repair of small appliances, waiting, and bartending.

Fletcher indicated that he was happy that work was moving along steadily so that the young people would soon be able to benefit.

Member of Parliament for North West St James Dr Horace Chang, who conceptualised the project, explained that the project is intended to capture and rescue at-risk youth in Glendevon and neighbouring communities.

"This programme is not a panacea, but is part of a programme to bring new hope and provide the youth with a chance to live a better-quality life."