Low turnout for Labour Day parish project

Port Antonio, Portland:

It was a low turnout at Carder Park in Port Antonio, where the parish Labour Day project too Mayor Wayne McKenzie expressed satisfaction at the scope of work that was completed.

The parish project, which got huge support from several state- run agencies, business operators, and community volunteers, including persons from the National Youth Service, saw an administrative building and changing room at the park being repainted, while the lawn and netball court area recieved a facelift.

"The objective was met," commented Mayor McKenzie.

"The outer wall of the building, which has now become home to the Portland Football Association, was repainted after many years of neglect. The netball court, which was overrun with shrubbery, was cleaned. The idea is to restore a sense of pride to Portland's premier playing ground Carder Park. Additional work will be done to the playing field, and everyone can rest assured that daCosta Cup football will be played at Carder Park for this season," he added.

But while the parish Labour Day project was at Carder Park, the real community spirit was on display at Chilly Lane along Folly Road, where residents constructed a bus stop, to ease the burden on residents who have to encounter the inclement weather from time to time, while awaiting public transport.

"I have to thank these volunteers," said Christopher Richards, one of the organisers to the project.

"I am not from this community, but I realised the plight of the people, and after meeting with Niran Ferguson, who donated building blocks and cement from his business, we decided to run with the project, but not before approval was given by the Portland Parish Council and the National Works Agency. Young men, who are skilled workers, have volunteered their services to complete this well-needed building," he added.