Charlestown, Nevis–(Monday, September 26th, 2011) On Wednesday afternoon, Premier of Nevis and area representative for the Parish of St. Thomas, Hon. Joseph Parry attended the official Handing Over Ceremony of the new Barnes Ghaut Adult Education Centre and in brief remarks welcomed the education facility

Construction of the $ 768, 537.90 state-of-the art facility was made possible in part due to the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

“Residents of Barnes Ghaut will benefit greatly, for years to come from this new adult education center,” said Premier Parry. “This is an important government investment that will strengthen the Barnes Ghaut community,”

The new multiple-use facility will provide recreational opportunities for members of the community.  The new facility will provide a computer lab, a senior outreach center, learning facilities, a kitchen, a multipurpose room and parking.

“In 2009, the Nevis Reformation Party-led Cabinet initiated efforts to build a new facility capable of meeting a wide-variety of community needs, while accommodating the population of Barnes Ghaut,” commented the Premier.

Hon. Joseph Parry also mentioned that during construction, a young man from Barnes Ghaut had expressed dissatisfaction with the architecture and size of the community center as compared to two other community centres being erected in the neighbouring villages of Jessups and Cotton Ground.

“Don’t be jealous of Jessups or Cotton Ground buildings, be happy with what you have because you have a great building and at the end of the day, it is about the people, not the edifice,” said the Premier.

The event was well attended by a cross section of the public. The Invocation was done by Reverend Cecele Browne. The National Anthem was performed by Baba Tungi and Mr. Rohan Isles served as chairman.

The Barnes Ghaut Humming Bird string band and a group of villagers performed two items and a representative of Beyond Homes handed over the keys to the building.  Ms. Valerie Bowrin did the Vote of Thanks, while Ms. Eglantine Duberry, a longtime resident of Barnes Ghaut cut the ribbon and made way for well wishers to tour the new facility.