By Rayon Dyer, Gleaner WriterBLACK RIVER:
MINISTER OF STATE in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture Dr. Donald Rhodd, said funding has been already identified to repair some six basic schools in St. Elizabeth. These are among the schools that were severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan.
Dr. Rhodd, who was touring sections of the parish on Wednesday, October 20, said $50,000 will be spent on each of the schools visited."We will also be converting shortly the Social Development Commission's complex in Santa Cruz into a youth information centre to serve the young people of the parish," said Dr. Rhodd.
Among the basic schools visited by the State Minister were Red Bank, Parrottee, Barbary Hall, Vineyard and Balaclava.
"For sure, we have identified funding to repair most of these schools. The commitment we have is that the money will come from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) fund to effect the repairs", Dr. Rhodd said. "As soon as we finalise discussions with the relevant ministry (the Ministry of Local Government) work will begin on the youth information center."
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security with responsibility for youth Kern Spencer said the youth information center is aimed at providing training and recreational as well as job placement opportunities to the young people of St. Elizabeth.
"I have no doubt that this newly proposed centre will meet its objectives with our young people. I am looking forward to the start up of this project before the end of the first quarter of next year," Mr. Spencer said.
Dr. Rhodd also explained that the youth information center is a component of the recently launched 'Operation Phoenix' which include youth empowerment and the overall development of young people.
