Eleuthera, Bahamas — The Government of The Bahamas has announced plans for a multi-purpose gymnasium for Eleuthera.
During a town meeting at Workers’ House, the Hon Neko Grant, Minister of Public Works and Transport said much effort has gone into preparing for the gym and asked the community to give recommendations to improve plans for the proposed facility.
In August 2008 the Government launched its infrastructure crusade on this island and executed contracts amounting to $15 million in road and $30 million in infrastructure projects, said Mr Grant.
It is the Government’s view that these projects will improve the quality of life for Bahamians and the nation’s product as a tourist destination.
MP for North Eleuthera and Speaker of the House, the Hon Alvin Smith said the construction of a gym in Eleuthera is an indication of the Government’s recognition of this island as a sporting power.
He encouraged the community to participate and expressed hope that this would be the beginning of a level of community consciousness to give more.
“A better community builds a better island and better islands build a better Bahamas,” added Mr Smith.
He thanked the Government for the vision to see the necessity for the gym and the commitment to provide a facility that could help and make a difference in the lives of the youth.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon Charles Maynard said multiple benefits are expected from the facility including cultural, community and sporting events.
“A regime will be set up to manage the gym so that there would be no conflicts. It will be properly structured in terms of its use,” said Mr Maynard.
He urged residents to embrace the opportunity for Eleuthera and to give their corporate support.
Chief architect Livingston Forbes told the residents that the gym is “still a work in progress” and would take approximately 12-14 months to build.
Among other features it is proposed to have an audio-visual room, concession stands, ticketing booths, changing rooms, collapsible bleachers to seat 1800 and two first-aid spaces.
Described as user-friendly and multi-functional the 18,000 plus square feet building is designed to be used as a hurricane shelter and examination centre.
The gym will be located in Palmetto Point on 21 acres of land on the seaside near Oasis pond.
The Hon Oswald Ingraham, MP for South Eleuthera, Elizabeth Keju, acting permanent secretary; Preston Cunningham, Gregory Knowles, island administrators and other senior government officials were in attendance.
Caldwell Pratt, deputy director; Livingston Forbes, chief architect; Dion Munroe, engineer; Calvin Balfour, undersecretary; Tim Munnings, director of sports and Local Government representatives were also in attendance.
By: Bahamas Information Services
