The Ministry of Health and Social Development has announced that several community centres across the Territory are now open and available for the public’s use.

The centres can be used for approved events including meetings, weddings and receptions, birthday and retirement celebrations, camps, religious gatherings, workshops and community meetings and other activities in accordance with established guidelines.

They are the Long Trench Community Centre, Emile Dunlop Community Centre (Anegada) and the Christiana Gertrude Warner Community Centre (Purcell Estate).

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms. Tasha Bertie said, “Community centres are vital spaces for bringing people together, fostering social connection, and supporting local development. We are pleased to see so many of these hubs becoming active again, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we finalise arrangements for others.”

While repairs have been completed at the East End/Long Look and the Cane Garden Bay Community Centres, the ministry is working through additional administrative and operational requirements to ensure that these facilities can

be safely and sustainably reopened. The public will be updated on their availability in the coming weeks.

The West End Community Centre is partially accessible as it is currently supporting the Carrot Bay Senior Programme. As a result, the space is best suited for smaller events (up to 75 persons) and community meetings. Bookings will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre at Sea Cows Bay continues to host the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre during school hours. It is available for limited use for events accommodating 50 persons or fewer, subject to approval.

Members of the public are reminded that all bookings must be made through the Social Development Department and follow the Community Centre guidelines. These include important rules such as:

• Decorations must not be affixed to walls; the use of tape, staples, or adhesives is prohibited.
• Centres are multi-use, non-smoking facilities that may host several groups at once.
• No booking is confirmed until a signed rental contract and deposit are received.
• Only groups booking the entire facility will have exclusive use.
• Events must be confined to the spaces rented.
• Noise levels should be moderate, especially during business hours.
• Trash must be properly disposed of; garbage must not be left in the building or on the premises.
• Controlled substances, gum, and candy are prohibited.
• Vendors must remain outside of the Community Centre’s gate.
• Users must return the facility to the condition it was found in.
• Centre keys must be returned by 9:00 a.m. on the following business day. Misuse or loss of keys will incur a $100.00 replacement fee.

Violation of these rules may result in loss of rental privileges, additional charges, and expulsion from the premises. To reserve a facility, please contact the department’s

administrative unit at 468-3636. Rental pricing is provided upon application and varies by the centre and event type.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to improving the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands and thanks the public for their continued support and cooperation.