The Top-Hill Senior Citizen Home was moved from its original location in the Top Hill area to the ‘Nurse’s Hostel’ for the Princess Royal Hospital in 2010, when the conditions became unbearable.
On Friday 29 November, the Basic Needs Trust Funds (BNTF) together with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, held a ‘Sod Turning Ceremony’ for the reconstruction of the ‘Top-Hill Senior Citizen Home’ back to its original location.
A total of EC$1.3 million was allocated for this reconstruction project which includes the construction of a single story building, the rehabilitation of the existing matron quarters, construction of an administrative building, six (6) double rooms, sickbay area, additional bathrooms, powder room, communal areas comprising kitchen and sitting room, consultant’s area, open spaces comprising of dining room, kitchen, laundry-room, waiting room, office and also external work including landscaping, concrete pavement, car park, foot-path, fencing, walkway and additional water storage.
The Contractor assigned to the task is Mr. Bernard Lendore.
BNTF’s representative, Mr. Isaac Bhagwan, said that Minister Nimrod has been very determined in getting this project started, and he is extremely happy seeing it become a reality.
Mr. Bhagwan furthered stated that the BNTF has been facing many challenges in reporting to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) because of its inability to end its programs on time. He also added that based on the progress made in reporting to the CDB, they have developed additional confidence and as a result the additional projects pending are being rolled out. One of the additional projects pending mentioned was the Health Center on the sister-isle of Petite Martinique which would be approved.
Mr. Bhagwan said that the duration for the reconstruction of the Top-Hill Senior Citizen Home is seven (7) months. However, based on his experience with contractors on the island of Carriacou, they have proven themselves to be very quick and is challenging Mr. Lendore to prove himself the same.
Minister of Labour, Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, Hon. Elvin Nimrod, in delivering, expressed gratitude to the BNTF and the CDB for all projects done on the island thus far. Minister Nimrod said that everyone has an obligation to provide and help the persons who built the foundation for us.
He said that he’s very impressed with the outline for the facility presented by Mr. Bhagwan.
In Conclusion, Mr. Nimrod appealed to everyone who would play a meaningful role in making the senior citizens comfortable, to do their best because no matter how nice the building and facilities look, if the people who are charged with responsibility of providing the care are not sensitive, then it would be just time wasted.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Mrs. Gertrude Niles, was also a guest speaker at this ceremony. Mrs. Niles said that she’s very happy this project is finally on target, building on for quality long term care for the elderly.
Operations Manager of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Mr. George Yearwood said that he will be working very closely with Mr. Bhagwan in ensuring that this project is completed quickly, done to a standard that is expected and to ensure that the services rendered are what is expected. He said that upon completion of this project, they would like to think that they’ve created a model project that they would be proud of, not only in Carriacou but in the region.
