THE West Ruimveldt Community Centre Ground received a facelift on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, who organised a clean-up exercise with support from residents and City Hall officials.
This initiative started a few weeks ago, said the minister, who added that she engaged the community and the young people asked her to clear the ground.

“I took an oath to serve so I contacted the town council and the councillor who is responsible for the community… the Ministry of Communities has provided funding for the ground so they would see the installation of lights and repairing of the fence and more upgrading of the field later,” said Minister Broomes in an invited comment on Saturday.
She commended the residents, especially the young people for coming out in their numbers to assist in the effort.

Broomes challenged them to empower themselves by forming a group, getting it registered and undertaking small contracts in the community.
“Government cannot provide all jobs but it is a major push for youth development… they are doing it voluntarily right now,” she said, adding that she has done work with communities before and will continue to do more work.

The Natural Resources Ministry did work in ‘green’ spaces before and they intend on doing more work in order to contribute to the development of ‘green’ spaces.
Broomes stressed the importance of ‘green’ spaces and sporting facilities for youths, noting that there are not enough right now.

Solid Waste Management Director, Walter Narine, echoed the sentiments of the minister and further commended her for the work she has done.
He believes that such efforts impact youths directly, in the sense that they will have more space for recreation.

Councillor of the Mayor and City Council, Trichria Richards, said development of the ground was the main issue in the constituency.
“I decided to come along with the minister so that the community can have better ownership… all community members should have a stake in the ground… the next plan for this is that we will set up a committee that will involve community members who will have a stake in this… they will get involved because they can use the ground,” said the councillor.