Don't play politics in Windsor Lodge

THE EDITOR, Sir:

What has now become the infamous community centre in Windsor Lodge, Bull Bay, has been inaccessible to us, the regular residents, for 90 per cent of the time.

Let me first state that I am of no political affiliation but just a concerned member of the community. The Windsor Lodge community has a student population of more than 80 per cent and this centre has been closed to them.

It is my understanding that this centre was renovated by then Member of Parliament Damion Crawford, so the students won't have to commute to Harbour View or Kingston for library and computer services.

The centre is equipped with more than 50 desktop computers, a library, and a classroom which was set up for a homework centre, but all these have been locked away, books are being eaten by termites, while our students have to travel long distances to do homework. On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, I got wind that the new MP, Juliet Holness, would be having a community meeting. I stood by and watched as she faced challenges getting access to the centre, even after making attempts to call the councillor, Patricia Morgan.

This so-called cutting off of locks has been marred by political drama. I witnessed Mrs Holness walk around the centre and notice that the centre had not been secured properly.

A member of the community lifted the cane in the grill without cutting off the locks. The gates swung open and the glass doors which appeared closed were open.

Mrs Holness then notified the caretaker and informed him that she will be securing the centre and replaced all locks. So this wasn't done to show political power; she was actually securing government property.

In response to Kashif Foster's letter published on Saturday, April 30, 2016, I would love to know more about this mythical Community Information Technology and Youth organisation, as it is the first I've heard of this group, and I have been a member of the community for more than 30 years.

Please, Mr Foster, let's not play politics with our community centre. It is not for the PNP or the JLP; it is for us, the residents of Windsor Lodge.

CONCERNED CITIZEN

Windsor Lodge, Bull Bay