A project for the community by the community.
The Laventille Out-Reach for Vertical Enrichment (LOVE) has established an additional resource for the communities of East Port of Spain.
The newly-opened Employment and Resource Centre is located on George Street, just above Prince Street in the heart of Port of Spain. It was founded by the members of LOVE, with support from the government, the business community, and members of the communities of East Port of Spain.
Initiative Coordinator and Political Leader of LOVE, Lennox Smith, said the Centre offers a sense of hope to residents of Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Eastern Quarry, Belmont, and surrounding areas, as it will provide access to employment opportunities and facilitate social services offered by both the government and non-governmental organisations.
He revealed that 400 persons have already signed up to take advantage of its services.
“All kinds of things have been tried, but when the community takes charge of its responsibility, when the community takes charge of its destiny, when the community recognises that it is on itself that the success or the failure of the community relies and rests, then, of course, you can have nothing more but upward and forward strides.”
Heaping praises on the initiative, Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Edward Alexander pledged the government’s support of this initiative.
He said the mantra that everyone must win is more than just a political slogan but the way in which the Prime Minister and the government aim to improve the lives of every person.
“I am a very strong man, but in situations like this I could be moved to tears. I do not accept that this is how our people were left to live. I do not accept that. I reject it. And Lennox spoke about Belmont, and I want to add Gonzales and Casablanca and the communities of people that know that when they call my phone, we will deliver.”
The overall objective is to reduce crime and foster greater community cooperation.