SIF lending a helping hand

On April 29, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Social Investment Fund (SVGSIF) signed three Memoranda of understanding (MOU) with local community groups.{{more}}

The Questelles Community Development Organisation was the first to sign an MOU during general assembly held at the Campden Park Secondary School. The group is undertaking a project to have musical instruments supplied to the community.

The Questelles Musical Ensemble project will benefit both the Campden Park Secondary School Orchestra and the Symphonix Steel Orchestra.

The instruments to be purchased include one Electric Bass, one Rhythm Guitar, two keyboards and one drum set. Saxophones, Trombones, Clarinets and Trumpets will also be purchased. SVGSIF is donating EC$50,000 to the project.

The Diamond Community, in the South Central Windward constituency was the second recipient of assistance from SVGSIF.

Senator Sabato Ceasar signed the MOU on behalf of the community. The signing took place at the Diamond Government School. The SVGSIF will give EC$250,000 to develop a playing field in the area.

The playing field will have both cricket and soccer facilities. A changing room and access bridge is also expected to be incorporated.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SVGSIF, Bentley Browne, told the students that work will begin as soon as possible on the playing field and should be completed in time for the hosting of their annual sporting activities for the next school year.

“We know better facilities will allow you to be better at sports,” he said.

The Lowmans Community on the Leeward side of the island was final in signing an MOU.

The school will receive EC$35,000 from the SVGSIF to upgrade the library facility at the primary school.

Principal at the School, Venda Smith said the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), initiators of the project, was grateful to the response of the SVGSIF.

“We know the importance of having a library, and at our school we promote literacy, we encourage the children to read,” she said.