Still no gov’t assistance to rebuild Clifton Boys’ Home – Perrin
Published:Thursday | September 24, 2020 | 12:14 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
While the rebuilding of the Clifton Boys’ Home in Darliston, Westmoreland, has almost been completed after being razed by fire in 2017, Chairman Hartley Perrin is disappointed that the Government has not yet lived up to its promise to assist in getting the home back up and running.
“Even at this point, we still have not received any monetary contribution from the Government of Jamaica towards the construction of this home, but it is still not too late,” Perrin said as the Desnoes & Geddes Foundation handed over $1 million towards the project yesterday.
“The Government can still give a donation of up to $15 million,” added Perrin, who is also the custos of Westmoreland. “It is not outside of the scope of the Government to make that small contribution to this home that will enhance the lives of so many boys over the years to come, and we are talking about 40 boys at a time being here.”
A year ago, Perrin made a similar criticism of the Government for its lack of support towards the rebuilding of the home, which was destroyed by a fire on January 15, 2017. The disaster left 28 boys without a home. They are now being housed at the Caledonia Assemblies of Holiness Church.
The reconstruction of the home began last March with only half of funds identified to carry out the $60-million project. The Anglican Church in Jamaica, which operates the home, is currently facing a funding shortfall of $10 million. The new 4,000-square-foot building will include dormitories on two floors; a kitchen; facilities for a sick bay; and a multipurpose area, which doubles as a homework centre.
“Although we have gotten this far, you would appreciate that the journey is still a long way off from attaining the end. We will still need more money, and whereas we are appreciative and grateful for all the contributions that persons have made thus far, there is still need for them to dig a little deeper, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, to allow us to come to the place where we can say, ‘Boys, here is your new location’,” said Perrin.
The Clifton Boys’ Home was established in February 1961 and is one of three homes managed by the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands. The other two homes are the Wortley Home for Girls in Constant Spring, St Andrew, and the St Monica’s Home in Chapelton, Clarendon.