Parks are great for communities, says Minister of Youth

By Albert M. Levy Last updated Jan 2, 2022

MINISTER OF YOUTH – Hon. Iram Lewis, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture officially opened Wellington Pinder Community Park on Saturday March 27, 2021. It features government officials, members of the Pinder family and residents of the community. (BIS Photo / Lisa Davis)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Parks are essential to the development of young people, said Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, The Hon. Iram Lewis on Saturday March 27.

Minister Lewis was on hand to officially open Wellington Pinder Community Park, an area developed by Freeport City Council.

The minister said that also as a member of Water Cay, a small community, he knows “what it means to ensure that these communities are equipped with facilities to ensure the growth and development of our young people in the world. sport and otherwise; and an area where the community can come together for recreation and leisure activities.

SIGN UNVEILING – Following the official opening of Wellington Pinder Community Park on Saturday March 27, 2021, a sign inauguration and unveiling ceremony took place. Shown on the right side of the sign are the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, The Hon. Iram Lewis; Ms. Heather Lewis; Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michel Pintard; and Peter Turnquest, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama. Also shown are members of the Pinder family, as well as Freeport city councilors and community members. (BIS Photo / Lisa Davis)

The Freeport City Council, since its inception in the 1990s, has established a number of parks and playgrounds throughout the city which are also maintained and maintained by them.

Even though permission was granted for the development of the park in the government subdivision four years ago, due to the onslaught of Hurricane Dorian followed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the project has been delayed.

He said, “Let me say here that this government is committed to developing parks, playgrounds and green spaces across the country. It makes no sense to talk about community development and not having recreational facilities. Gone are the days, and I can promise you that as your Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, we will have parks and playgrounds for recreational activities, and as our Prime Minister pointed out some time ago these parks should be equipped with free Wi-Fi. to add to the additional enjoyment of facilities across the country.

OPENING CEREMONY – Wellington Pinder Community Park was officially opened by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Iram Lewis. (BIS Photo / Lisa Davis)

He added, “As we continue to build our nation, let me say that projects like this have started in New Providence and in several of our islands.
“The Bahamian government is committed to taking the lead in these projects and creating ways and means for our young people to develop their talents and find areas where all can relax in comfort. “

Before officially declaring the park open, the minister again thanked Freeport city council for its efforts and pledged the support of his ministry.
The Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michel Pintard; Peter Turnquest, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama; Ms. Heather Lewis; Chief Councilor Kendall Culmer II, Administrator Kathy V. Smith; Councilor Frazette Gibson; Wellington Pinder family members and community residents.