Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5541/-1/140/
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Blowing Youth Development Centre Opens
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Minister of Social Development, Evans McNeil Rogers, described the new Youth Centre at Blowing Point as a rebirth of community- spirit and community government partnership for national development. He sees it as a model that can be developed throughout the island “so that our young people can use their time productively while building their character, self-esteem, self respect and respect for others.”
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Mr. Evans Rogers and Mrs. Lana Hoyoung signing documents
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The mission of the Blowing Point Youth Centre is to bridge the gaps between school, college and the workplace by providing on going support and guidance in the areas of academic and life skills. It also aims to encourage values of respect for self, others and property, responsibility, self discipline and honesty with a vision of a community where all children and young people are equipped to reach their full potential.
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Hon. Evans Rogers with two of the community’s children cutting ribbon
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The opening ceremony was chaired by Dr Lana Hoyoung who stressed that education is key to development and described the many opportunities at the new centre. She said it will be open from 2.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. every day, many volunteers have already come forward and several programmes are in place including a counselling programme, computer skills, mathematics, English, library services, conversational Spanish, homework support, research skills, life skills, accounting and budgeting, elements of construction, and much more, including programmes for adults in parenting skills and relationships.
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Hon. Evans Rogers with two of the community’s children cutting ribbon
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Dr Hoyoung has been appointed the Coordinator and Manager, Simone Connor is the vice President, Susan Hodge secretary and Donna Gumbs treasurer. Many others have pledged support including Rev Clifton Niles, Curtis Richardson, Brent Davis, Andrew Gumbs, Rhon Connor and Warren Buddle. The Ministry of Social Development is funding the cost of rent, utilities and the full time manager while many businesses have contributed in several ways to the support of the Centre. Kirkley Carty has allowed his building, that has been renovated with local support, to be used for the project.
Norma Hughes spoke on behalf of her husband, Hubert Hughes, elected member for the district, saying that he apologized for his absence and wished the project every success hoping that it will uplift the youth and assist them in getting an education. She expressed the hope that all students, teachers and parents will get involved.
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Some of the young dancers
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Speaking on behalf of the youth of the community, Garvy Lake thanked the government and community with special mention of Lana Hoyoung, Joash Proctor and Rhonda Connor. He urged all young people to get involved and reminded them that education is the key to success. Claudel Romney expressed thanks on behalf of the community and applauded all who are involved in the project. He noted that the work has now begun and there is need for a commitment of everyone to make it a success.
The Minister of Social Development, stressed that development of youth is everyone’s business and commended all the players and agencies involved in the establishment of the centre. “I look forward to hearing of the positive impact it will have on this community and Anguilla as a whole,” he concluded.
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Mrs. Lana Hoyoung delivering address
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The Opening Ceremony was attended by Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, Minister of Finance, Victor Banks, minister of Infrastructure, Kenneth Harrigan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Rodney Rey and other officials.