Filling nearly every seat in a room of the newly renovated community centre in Brewers Bay on Friday morning, more than 50 residents celebrated the facility’s reopening after eight years.
The centre, which stayed closed since sustaining major damage in the 2017 hurricanes, is the seventh to be renovated and reopened since the storms, according to Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley.
The facility boasts multiple connecting rooms, air-conditioning units, a kitchen and bathrooms. It is also expected to be added to the list of emergency shelters, according to the Department of Disaster Management.
Second District Representative Mitch Turnbull was on hand as the Health and Social Development Ministry ceremonially handed over the centre to his community.
“Among the many losses [of the 2017 storms] was this centre, the home of the Golden Eagles Seniors; a gathering place for community meetings,” Mr. Turnbull said during the ceremony. “We lost a hub where people came together to laugh, to share, to solve problems and to celebrate.”
Remembering
He also stressed the importance of community and remembering the past.
“As we open the doors to this community centre, let it remain a place that we gather,” he said. “Let it remain a place that we teach our young. Let it remain a place that the community comes together and [builds] and teaches the history, the legacy of who we are.”
Other community centres restored after the 2017 hurricanes include facilities in West End, Sea Cows Bay, Purcell Estate, Cane Garden Bay, East End and Anegada, Mr. Wheatley said.
“All community centres are not just buildings: They are vital spaces,” he added. “They are safe havens during emergencies, places for education and recreation, and centres for building stronger, more connected communities.”
Renaming
During the ceremony, the building was also renamed in honour of the late George Christopher, who was born in the area in 1905.
Mr. Christopher’s grandson, Troy Christopher, delivered a tribute, explaining how his grandfather served the community by working as a constable, a road warden and a tax collector for his district.
Mr. Christopher added that his grandfather cared for his community in other ways as well, such as giving food from his farm to people in need.
“This was something that he took personally,” Mr. Christopher said, adding, “Looking out for each other is what built the foundation of the community. This was something that made him happy.”
