NDP opens Learning Resource Centre

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has opened a constituency office which will also function as a Learning Resource Centre.{{more}}

The NDP West Kingstown Learning Resource Centre, which was opened on Saturday, October 24, has been described by the NDP caretaker for West Kingstown Daniel Cummings as: “A party office with a difference”.

The senator, who was narrowly defeated by incumbent Rene Baptiste of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) in the 2005 General Elections, informed the gathering that the party constituency office has been equipped with four new computers and will provide free Internet Service to the many less fortunate children of the area.

“Without Internet, children don’t have a chance to pass the eight and ten subjects required nowadays,” a passionate Cummings said, adding that a fifth computer is on its way.

The facility, which is located in the George’s Building next to Randy’s Mini Mart on Back Street, will be open daily, during and after school hours. Under strict supervision, children will be able to visit the various websites and gather necessary information for their school projects. In addition, Mathematics and English will also be taught at the centre. Tuition is free, and no child will be turned away.

According to Cummings, the project, which is valued at approximately $50,000 (equipment and refurbishing of the building), is not financed by the NDP. It was developed, he said, on his initiative with contributions from a number of generous citizens.

Karib Cable will provide free Internet service. A number of persons were given recognition, among them West Kingstown NDP party secretary Robert “Patches” Knights, who chaired the session, and Jerry George, the proprietor of the building housing the quarters. Opposition Leader and President of the NDP Arnhim Eustace, along with other party executives, also spoke at the ceremony.

The ribbon was cut by Shirly Lynch, a senior citizen in the community and former manager of the victorious Roseans Football Team during the 1970’s. The facility was blessed by Elder Edwards of the New Montrose Spiritual Baptist Church.