Twenty-three constituents of the Arima community were awarded for their indelible contributions across various fields.
Hosted by the Arima Borough Corporation, the Mayor of Arima, Balliram Maharaj, said the efforts made by the men and women of the district were significant as the community continues to expand. He dubbed the occasion a “very important day in the history of Arima.”
“Today we pause and honour and pay tribute to citizens who have excelled in many, many areas of life: education, sport, culture, community development, social services. Each one of you help to shape Arima.”
Member of Parliament for Arima, Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, said more improvements are underway to advance the Arima community in the coming years. She mentioned implementing the other phases of the smart city concept through the Arima Connect Project.
“The vision does not stop there. I am hoping that we operationalise the smart pole facilities to the fullest capacities. Working together with the council, we hope to enhance the camera facilities in the town centre of Arima, improve public civic spaces, and enhance the quality of recreational spaces in Arima.”
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, Peter Mitchell, said that his Ministry is also looking forward to developing the Arima district by making necessary provisions for council members within the Corporation.
“One of the critical things that the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government is looking to advance is appropriate office accommodations for our Municipal Corporations as well as to ensure the appropriate structures within the municipal context for the provision of services for the burgesses for places like Arima.”
The Annual Arima Civic Awards Ceremony was held at the Malabar Community Centre on Thursday under the theme “Legacy of Service, Vision for Tomorrow.”