The village of Glamorgan in East Tobago can now return to a modern and improved Multi-Purpose Facility following a recommissioning ceremony held on Thursday.
President of the Glamorgan Village Council, Carl McEwen, said the journey to returning to the facility was a long and difficult one. He recalled that the Council’s meetings began on the streetside and in the home of a villager for many years.
“We went from place to place, office to office, with the determination that we need our own facility, and that breeze blowed somewhere within 1999 to 2000, and then we were able to celebrate in 2006, and I say, ‘To God be the glory.’ But as time goes, things change, and today we are here celebrating again. Another breeze has blown, even though it took long, a positive breeze has blown, and we are here celebrating this moment.”
Assistant Secretary of Community Development Megan Morrison said the recommissioning is breathing new life into the space, which she explained is a powerful tool for development.
“They remind us that progress is only meaningful when it reaches the people. The recommissioning of this Glamorgan Community Centre reflects our administration’s ongoing commitment to develop from the ground up. It reflects our belief that every village, no matter its size, deserves the tools and resources to empower its people.”
Describing the villagers as part-owners of the facility, Secretary of Community Development Wane Clarke repeatedly urged them to make full use of the space.
“This is the easy part, to give you this facility. The challenge lies in how you use it, and I want you to make full use of it. Use it for the right purposes. Use it to bring the community together. Use it to enhance what you have in the community that is good. Use it for training. Use it for celebration.”
As part of renovation works, the Division enhanced the facility with modern amenities such as air conditioning, LED lighting, ramps for accessibility, upgraded water storage, and a three-phase power system.