THE Liliendaal Community Development Group yesterday received a million-dollar cheque from Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo, to enhance the community’s development initiatives.The handing over took place at the community’s playground at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, where the group members organised an afternoon of fun and games for the children of the community. The activity also saw the children receiving gifts, enjoying pony rides, jumping on the trampoline, and having their faces painted.

In his remarks during the presentation of the cheque to founder of the group, Beryl Haynes, the Prime Minister explained that this is the first time that an activity was held on the playground and, “in a sense we can say that some monies have been given to fence and secure the ground”.

The Prime Minister committed to working with the community group to further develop the ground into a community meeting place, one where the youths can undertake meaningful recreational activities.

“We want to ensure that the young people are not involved in drugs, crime, and all other non-productive activities; and for them to move away from all the bad things that are happening,” he told the gathering. The community has an active football group.

He urged the group’s members to continue to pursue initiatives for Liliendaal’s further advancement.

Meanwhile, expressing gratitude on behalf of the group and the residents of Liliendaal, Haynes said, “We accept this token because I know there is more to come. We appreciate it, and we are grateful for it, and it’s the first time that someone has reached out to us”.

The group was first established in 1989, but became dormant; and, according Haynes, it was resuscitated almost four years ago. According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the overall objectives of the group are to enhance the community of Liliendaal, empower the youths, and to plan and organise activities to the benefit of the residents of the community. Currently, the group has 24 active members.