Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony reiterated the ministry’s support of sport and cultural programmes when he on Saturday commissioned the Golden Grove/Nabaclis and Haslington Community Centre at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Anthony noted that the multi-purpose community centre can bring greater social cohesion within communities as persons interact through sport. The new centre aims to promote community development through self help activities and provide training for the social, educational, cultural, physical and moral development, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

The centre is expected to cater for after school lessons for children and lessons for early school leavers during the day. It will also provide computer training and other skills and cultivate and maintain a harmonious working relationship among members of the organisation and the villagers.

Anthony also extended congratulations to the Golden Grove Nabaclis and Haslington Association of New York and the local group for the leadership and guidance they have shown in bringing the project to fruition. He said the ministry will donate sport gears to the centre as it aims to help youth develop their sporting skills.

Chairman of the Concerned Residents’ Action Group, Donald Richards said that the facility will benefit youths and enable them to become better citizens. Also, Leader of the Golden Grove/ Nabaclis and Haslington Organisation (USA) Whitney Smith stated the organisation was formed in 2003 with the aim of giving back to the community from where he hailed. He encouraged persons to make full use of the centre and extended hope that they maintain it for future generations.