The science laboratory and extended washroom at the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua (SJCM), along with the extension of the Martin’s Secondary School, are three of the many projects which have been completed by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 2003, with other projects set to get underway in the near future.{{more}}

Minister of Rural Transformation, Information, Postal Services and Ecclesiastical Affairs Selmon Walters revealed that contracts have already been signed for other projects to begin.

Walters, speaking at the handing over of the recently completed SJCM project on Monday, said that work on eleven new jobs valued at EC$5.5 million will start in the first quarter of 2009.

Among them are the supply of equipment to the House of Hope Society, skills training in plumbing, electronic and electrical and garment making for the New Grounds, Adelphi, Chapmans Adult Learners Group (NACALG), and the building of two pre-schools, one in Diamonds and the other in Georgetown.

Other educational works include the renovation of the Kingstown Day Nursery and several other facilities.

According to Walters, during 2009 work will also commence on a medical clinic at Evesham, a new community market at North Union, as well as work on the Lower Dickie Village Drains at Mesopotamia and the paving of the Glen Hillside road at Calliaqua.

The BNTF, a joint venture between the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean Development Bank, has provided aid totaling over EC$11 million, with recent completed projects, including the Owia and the Keartons’ Village roads. (JJ)