THE community of Agricola on Saturday embarked on extensive rehabilitation of their community centre ground with assistance from the police and the Ministry of Public Works.

Following an earlier meeting with the youths in the community, ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken and other senior ranks of the division had made a commitment to support the works.

Residents had requested that the condition of the ground be enhanced since it had become unusable and recreational activities had to be moved to the adjoining Eccles community.
On Saturday machinery from the Public Works Ministry was used to begin clearing the trench that surrounds the ground while residents started on various aspects of the renovation works.
Loads of sand was deposited on the ground and over the next few days volunteers will be levelling the ground to facilitate a number of sporting activities.
On Saturday works were also undertaken to repair the fence at the ground and already there has been a donation of two rolls of material for an unfenced part of the structure.
The ground already has a bleacher but there are plans to construct at least two more structures. However, a decent washroom is already situated at the ground.

Meanwhile, the commissioning of the upgraded ground would take place shortly with a fun day and football competitions. The teams would be drawn from the Rosemary Lane (Tiger Bay) area, Albouystown, Agricola and there are plans to have a media team involved.
On Saturday also the police met with the parents and other relatives of children attending the St Anne’s Primary School in the community. During the earlier visit to the community the police through the school invited the students to bring their parents and other relatives along so that they can meet for a discussion.
The discussion focused on the establishment of a scout troop in the area and rolling out of an Impact Project in Agricola. The idea was well received by the parents and teachers who said that the initiative will help to develop the community.
The residents were told about the form the project will take in the community but it will not mirror the way the initiative was rolled out in the Albouystown area.
The police on Friday last commenced its feeding programme at the school, fulfilling a promise that was made four days earlier.
On Saturday the children of the school and others from the community began the new weekly skills training programme which would be done each Saturday with assistance from the Ministry of Human Services and Labour, police and other stakeholders.
The children would be streamed into their areas of interest and will be guided along those paths.

(By Leroy Smith)