The Ministry of Health and Social Development has received the keys to the newly refurbished Cane Garden Bay and the East End/Long Look Community Centres.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley said the centres were restored to meet the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) SMART standards and reflect the ministry’s commitment to community resilience and sustainability.

Honourable Wheatley said, “To the people of the community, the centre is your space- your place to gather, connect and celebrate. Community centres have been integral to the Virgin Islands, hosting our cherished events and serving as places for our Golden Gems to socialise.”

Honourable Wheatley added, “Equally important, these centres also serve as emergency shelters during disasters, reinforcing the need for their upkeep and readiness.”

Premier and Seventh District Representative, the Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, expressed satisfaction at the completion of the restoration for the East End/Long Look Community Centre, which suffered significant damage during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. 

Premier Wheatley said, “When used and managed properly, community centres become central points for community development, helping well-bonded communities to thrive. One thing that we can be very proud of is that we have strong and well-bonded communities, and our people see the value in community involvement.”

Meanwhile, Eighth District Representative, Honourable Marlon Penn said the East End/Long Look community centre has served in many capacities for the community including providing a place of refuge in times of disaster and a hub for gatherings.

 “It means everything to the people of the Seventh and Eight Districts, and I am happy and delighted that we have here a complete and functional facility for our people," Honourable Penn said.

At the Handover for the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre, Second District Representative Honourable Melvin Turnbull highlighted the centre’s versatility, noting its dual role as both a community hub and a clinic.

Honourable Turnbull said, “This centre is essential for Cane Garden Bay. With plans for after-school tutoring and adult education programmes, it will serve our community in even more meaningful ways.”

The refurbished projects were carried out by No Limit Construction for the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre and Quality Construction Limited for the East End/Long Look Community Centre. These projects are part of the ministry’s broader efforts to repair community centres damaged in 2017, continuing from earlier successes with the West End, Valerie O. Thomas, Emile Dunlop and the Gertrude and Christiana Warner Community centres.  

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to retrofitting and renovating the community centres impacted by the hurricanes, ensuring that these community spaces meet modern standards and supporting both community growth and emergency preparedness for years to come.