Remarks By Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley

Minister For Health And Social Development

Dedication And Handover Ceremony

For The East End / Long Look Community CEntre

18 OCTOBER 2024

A very pleasant and blessed Virgin Islands Good Morning to all of you.  I wish to acknowledge the protocol that has been established.  It is with great excitement that I stand before you today to celebrate the reopening of the East End / Long Look Community Centre.

I know that this reopening has been long-awaited by the people of East End / Long Look, and we are delighted to finally deliver on this promise.  In June, 2023, repairs to the centre began, and while we faced a few unforeseen challenges along the way, the project is now finally completed. I want to thank Quality Construction Limited for their commitment and dedication to ensure that the works were completed.

This centre marks the sixth Community Centre to be restored following the devastation of the 2017 hurricanes. The West End Community Centre was the first to be completed in November 2021. This was followed by the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay, the Emile Dunlop Community Centre on Anegada, and the Gertrude and Christiana Warner Community Centre in Purcell Estate which were officially handed over in February 2023. Those projects were made possible with the generous support of the European Union (EU) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), working closely through the Premier’s Office. Earlier this week, the fifth centre, the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre, was also officially handed over.

In alignment with PAHO's SMART standards, we have ensured that the East End / Long Look Community Centre was rehabilitated to a standard where it is resilient and environmentally sustainable, just like the other restored centres. The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to rehabilitating all our community centres to a high standard, ensuring they are better prepared to withstand future shocks, and meet and cater to the needs of our differently-abled population, including our seniors.

To the people of East End / Long Look, this centre is your space - your place to gather, connect, and celebrate. Community centres have been an integral part of The Virgin Islands for many years. They are where our Golden Gems meet to socialise and engage in meaningful activities. They host community meetings, church events, and some of our most cherished occasions, such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, family reunions, repasts and other celebrations that bring us together as a community. Equally important, these centres also play a critical role as emergency shelters during natural disasters. With this in mind, we must remain vigilant in ensuring their proper upkeep, as they serve as a refuge and support system when we need them most.

As I conclude these remarks, I commend this restored East End / Long Look Community Centre to all residents of East End / Long Look and the surrounding areas. I strongly encourage you to make the most of this facility. Use it to build and strengthen your community. This is your asset - a place to connect, grow, and support each other. While the Government will continue to do its part to maintain and care for the centre, we rely on you to use it responsibly. With your support, this centre will continue to serve the community for generations to come.

Thank you for your kind attention. May God continue to bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.