JUNIOR Minister in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs and Assistant Director of Sport Franklyn Wilson headed a delegation on their ongoing Community Outreach Programme by visiting Gilhouse Square in West Ruimveldt over the weekend

That area is called Gilhouse Square because Gordon Gilhouse, the former police officer turned magistrate, lived there.

Minister Jacobs, a former West Indies U-19 captain and national senior cricketer, interacted with the community on the basketball court, where he presented footballs to the footballers.

Minister Jacobs and his team listened to complaints and suggestions from the community to improve the standard of the facility and its environs.

There is a large grass area at the back of the concrete tarmac, and a group of residents lamented that they had to weed the area monthly to prevent it from being an eyesore.

That area was littered with plastic bottles since there are no garbage bins. It also revealed that garbage collectors allegedly ask for payment to dispose of articles not in garbage bins.

Councillor Alfonso De Armas was asked to work on the garbage issue. A member of the team was mandated to work on the weeding issue.

The youths who were reminded of the importance of attending school informed Minister Jacobs that football, cricket and basketball share the tarmac. The youngsters suggested that the grass area be prepared for football.

The residents requested that the entire area be fenced and lights installed, so that those who work in the day could participate in physical activities at night.

It was disclosed that many young men in the community are unemployed.

The minister disclosed that interested persons can register on the ministry’s Facebook page to learn a trade at the GTI.

“Make an appointment to go to the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport on Main Street (opposite COURTS) for more details about getting involved in skills training,” he said.

Rastafarian ‘Nia Man’ is accomplished in making African drums, and Minister Jacobs spoke to the former Queen’s College student to see what he could do to help, since culture is a part of his ministry.

The minister said it was a mandate from President Ali to meet communities and find out what they would like from the government.

“We might not be able to do everything you ask, but please know that this government is committed to improving your lives,” Minister Jacobs told the gathering.

The small area has produced several national footballers, including Christopher Giles and boxers, including Guyana’s only Olympic medalist, Mike Parris, former Caribbean Table Tennis Champion and GOA President Godfrey Munroe and weightlifter Wayne Cosier.

Other notable performers from the area include now CEO of Ansa McAl Troy Cadogan, who played youth cricket for Malteenoes, along with Kenneth Wong and Sean Devers who both represented Malteenoes and Guyana in cricket and the former of whom is a sport journalist.

The late Calvin Roberts had also played youth cricket for Malteenoes before he became a sports Journalist.