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St. George’s, November 6, 2009 – Four sites have been identified in the Town of St. George in what is expected to be part of a national endeavour to provide young people with greater access to recreational activities.

In one instance, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government – with private sector support and the involvement of community volunteers – is constructing a resource centre in River Road.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Peter David, the MP for the Town of St. George, has also pledged that the Melville Street basketball court and the Old Trafford Playing Field will be reclaimed for youth activities. He believes, too, that the concrete wall now surrrounding the Roy St. John Recreation Ground in Tanteen should be demolished.

“We need to find a way to have areas where our young people can go to engage in productive activities,’’ Mr. David told local reporters.

He said the Tillman Thomas-led administration is acting in keeping with promises the NDC made during its successful 2008 general election campaign.  Congress won the poll 11 – 4.

“We, in our campaign, promised to build community or resource centres throughout the country,’’ MP David said. “In the Town of St. George, unfortunately, there are no community or resource centres.  So we took it as a priority to begin the work on this centre in River Road.’’

The River Road building, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, is being reconstructed at a cost of EC$200,000.  About $60,000 has already been invested in the project, which is employing more than 20 workers.

“This centre is important not only for the River Road community, but also for the entire Town of St. George community,’’ Mr. David asserted.

The centre, including a library and computer room, is scheduled to be officially opened in December.

In recent years, the Royal Grenada Police Force has been the prime users of the Melville Street basketball court.

Mr. David said he has been meeting with the Commissioner of Police because he would like to see the basketball court utilized for recreational activities by people in the Melville Street area.

“I met with the Commissioner and he has agreed to cooperate with the community in the use of the court area,’’ MP David reported.

He was also adamant that Old Trafford, which has been turned into a classroom area and parking lot since the passage of Hurricane Ivan, should once again become a playing field.

“We are certainly going to be working hard to get Old Trafford back to community recreation use,’’ Mr. David insisted.

He said not only is the intention to remove the concrete wall around the Roy St. John Recreation Ground, but there also are plans to build a pavillion and repair the bleachers.

“We need to do something about the Tanteen area for use by members of the Carenage community,’’ Mr. David said.