St. George’s, September 11, 2012 – A contract is expected to be signed shortly that will pave the way for the start of construction of a playing field and human resource development centre in St. Patrick for residents of Snell Hall, Madeys, La Mode and Morne Fendue.
The project at Snell Hall is one of several across Grenada being funded by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The contract for the Snell Hall project was awarded almost one year ago, but work was delayed because of an outstanding land acquisition matter.
MP Joseph Gilbert has blamed the delay on what he calls “internal political feud within the NDC, and the reneging on a decision of cabinet to acquire the lands identified for the project.’’
He pointed to a news release from the Ministry of Information earlier this year that was “extremely critical of the proposed acquisition, even though the proposal had the blessing of cabinet.’’
The project site was secured under the Land Acquisition Act, with a final notice published in the Government Gazette last month.
The Snell Hall project was submitted to the Venezuelan government for funding while Gilbert, the parliamentary representative for St. Patrick West, was a cabinet member.
He said he was never deterred by the challenges. He now is delighted that work on the project will be starting after mounting pressure from residents of the Snell Hall community.
“I stood steadfastly with the people at all times. They are the ones that requested the project, identified the site, and would ultimately benefit from the project,’’ Gilbert said. “The battle was worth the fight. We have scored a major victory.’’
Gilbert, who has been involved in a series of activities in his constituency, has said that he plans on attending a social event being organized by the Snell Hall Sports and Cultural Group, one of the most vocal advocates and supporters of the project.
The social, to be held at the project site in Snell Hall, is from 3 pm, on Sunday, September 16, and will include music, food, drinks and discussion on a wide range of issues.
Gilbert, the former Works Minister who now sits as a backbencher in parliament, said that his recent engagement with residents has left him “both overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of political support that I continue to receive from my constituents.’’
“The constituents are resolutely supportive of my going forward as their candidate in the next general election.’’ Gilbert won the St. Patrick West seat in the 2008 general election.
Gilbert commended agricultural workers in the community for embarking on “maroon- style’’ voluntary labour to improve the deplorable condition of their farm road.
La Pont Road, which provides access to farms in an area close to Mt. Reuil, had become totally overgrown with tall shrubs due to lack of a proper farm road maintenance programme by government, Gilbert said.
He joined the farmers in a de-bushing initiative and applauded them for their effort.
“Your example should be emulated by all other farmers throughout the country,’’ Gilbert said.
“This communal solidarity in our approach to work is part of our cultural heritage – our ‘maroon’ culture. I am pleased that we are keeping it alive in St. Patrick.’’
On the broad national front, MP Gilbert wants steps taken to deal with the economy that he says has “virtually collapsed. Unemployment is at an all time high and the standard of living of most Grenadians has fallen drastically.’’
According to Gilbert, government has contributed to the economic problems with a “failed and misguided foreign investment policy.’’