New multipurpose court for oldest school in Portmore
Published:Thursday | May 30, 2024 | 12:09 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
Gregory Park Primary School is set to benefit from the construction of a new multipurpose court, with completion expected by the end of the year.
Ground was broken yesterday for the project, valued at $6.4 million, which is a collaborative effort among the National Education Trust (NET), the Toll Authority of Jamaica, the Sport Development Foundation (SDF), and the Musson Foundation.
The Toll Authority has contributed $3 million, Musson Foundation $2 million, and the SDF $1.5 million towards the construction of the complex. This initiative is part of NET’s ongoing mission to enhance Jamaica’s educational infrastructure through partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Latoya Harris-Ghartey, executive director of the NET, highlighted the significance of the project.
“The multipurpose court will provide students with enhanced sports facilities, promoting physical education and overall development,” she said.
The idea for the multipurpose court stemmed from Gregory Park Primary’s remarkable triumph in the national netball competition for primary schools a few years ago.
Alando Terrelonge, member of parliament for St Catherine East Central, recalled his visit to the school during its celebrations. He said he was struck by one student’s response to the school’s success despite the lack of a proper court.
“I remember celebrating with the school and asking how they managed to do so well without a court at the school,” Terrelonge recounted.
The student’s reply that they had to “work 10 times harder to achieve success” inspired Terrelonge to secure the necessary funding for the court.
Lisa D’Oyen, executive director of the Musson Foundation, noted that the organisation had previously supported sports initiatives and decided to formalise this support through a grant named after its founder, A.D. Blades.
“We were pleased to hear that Gregory Park had already established partners, and it seemed that they needed extra funding to get across the finish line, so we were happy to join to make this possible,” D’Oyen explained.
She also revealed that Musson had committed $10 million to fund other sporting developments islandwide.
Richards Williams, principal of Gregory Park Primary, expressed joy at the project’s realisation.
“We are deeply grateful for the National Education Trust, the Toll Authority, the Sports Development Foundation, and the Musson Foundation for their generous contribution,” Williams said.
He added: “This facility will not only provide our students with a space to engage in various sports initiatives, but will also enhance their overall educational experience and have a positive impact on the Gregory Park community.”
Founded in October 1895, Gregory Park Primary, originally known as the Baptist School, is the oldest school in Portmore.