New Bartica Community Centre taking shape

Jan 30, 2013 Sports

– but Regional Chairman not in the loop

While residents of Bartica are eagerly awaiting the completion and inauguration of the a new Bartica Community Centre, efforts to get information on the cost of the project and a completion proved a bit of a tuff hurdle.
Kaieteur Sport contacted Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford yesterday seeking the relevant information but was informed by Mr. Bradford that he does not have any information regarding the newly constructed Bartica Community Centre Pavilion and stand.
The old structure was destroyed last year and a new and larger facility is almost completed, Kaieteur Sport understands that painting of the facility has commenced.

The new Bartica Community Centre, Pavilion and Stand nearing completion.

Bradford in an invited comment said that it is commendable that a new facility is being built that will naturally, aid in the development of sports and cultural activities in the community. But he was quick to point out that he couldn’t furnish any other details since he has not been informed about anything in relation to the project.
“I have made repeated efforts to get information from Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford and would have been promised the relevant documents but to date, I have not received any such documents. While I applaud the initiative, it is sad that we cannot monitor what’s going on to ensure that the contractors do a proper job and you get value for money because ultimately, it is the community that will have to live with the final product.”
Bradford said he has asked questions repeatedly at RDC meetings but no answers have been forthcoming.
“I really hope that it doesn’t turn out like some of the President Youth Choice Initiative Projects that have gone by the way side because the communities would not have been involved, all the way.”
This facility is the number one in the community when it comes to sports activities including football and cricket. There is a separate section where basketball is played while another stand is close to the main facility.
Efforts were made to contact Minister Westford yesterday via telephone and Kaieteur Sport was told that a call would have been returned but that didn’t materialize up to press time.