Making an IMPACT in Sea Lots West with new Community Centre
The Fighting Chance Boxing Programme is a major part of using sports to help with the overall development of the community. Participants pose for a photo with Minister Tewarie and coach Kirk Sinnette.
“Seize the world of possibility with all your heart and soul.” This was the call from Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Bhoendradatt Tewarie to residents of Sea Lots West at the opening of the Sea Lots Community Impact Centre on June 12, 2015. Mr. Gregory Sloane Seales, National Coordinator of the Citizen Security Programme also commended the residents for the successes they have achieved and encouraged them to use the centre for progress.
Ms. Annabelle Davis, the Chairwoman of the East Port of Spain Development Company congratulated the staff for their steadfastness to the tasks and the dedication to seeing this Impact Centre through to completion. Members of the community were on hand to celebrate and encourage each other and pledged to protect and use the centre to enhance their community.
As part of its commitment to the enhancement of the quality of life of residents, the East Port of Spain Development Company, under the mandate of the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development has continued efforts to create programmes that allow for skills building and empowerment of the human capital of East Port of Spain. A flagship element of the empowerment drive encompasses the utilisation and transformation of centralised community spaces to develop Community Impact Centres (CIC). These Centres assist with the provision of necessary social services and programmes to residents while concurrently providing a communal space for socialisation and enjoyment.
Conceptualised in 2013, the Company has thus far launched two centres, one each at Beetham and Basilon Street Port of Spain. In June 2015, the recently completed Sea Lots West Community Impact Centre, the first CIC physically constructed by the Company, will be launched. This attractive, two storeys facility, will offer a carefully considered package of services.
The new establishment houses a fully furnished kitchen area, a computer room equipped with free Wi-Fi internet, internal and external bathrooms, a reading room, an office/ private room and a hall area. The amenities offered and services considered were based on protracted consultations with residents and analysis of indigenous available resources.
Service providers and professionals will facilitate the delivery of programmes in the area of literacy, numeracy, computer literacy, physical and mental health, employable skills building, homework tutoring, entrepreneurship and life skills. The function and programmes of the Sea Lots West CIC is not static and as indigenous needs arise, the Company is committed to exploring avenues for the delivery of additional services. In the short term, conflict management, mentorship and legal aid are some of the other services under consideration for the area. In addition, the Fighting Chance boxing fitness initiative, a programme which develops life skills while teaching participants the sport of boxing, will be brought to this Community Impact Centre.
The mandate of the Sea Lots West Community Impact Centre is to collaborate with residents, professionals and all other stakeholders to provide personal development opportunities for persons living and working in Sea Lots and environs. By achieving this, East Port of Spin Development Company envisions the short and long term strengthening of the human potential of the area in a tangible and impactful manner. The Community Impact Centre should become a vital part of community life, bringing immeasurable benefits to all it serves.