Government of Jamaica
A level of contentment has been brought to the communities of east central St James with the opening of a top-class sports and cultural community facility in Content. The Content Community Center and Sports Complex was developed by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) from “a vision to provide the people of Content with a modern, high standard facility that ensures accessibility for everyone, including those with disabilities” according to TPDCo Executive Director, Wade Mars.
Giving the keynote address, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said it was part of “a mission for the development of the physical facilities within our space, but more importantly, the development of the human capacity within our space.” He said this was underpinned by making sure that “our young people develop the ability and the acumen to become profitable, highly valued-added oriented individuals within their community or wherever they go.”
With the adjoining community of Adelphi eyed as the next township to the resort City of Montego Bay, Minister Bartlett said “this facility here, created as it is, is the most significant multi-sports complex outside of Montego Bay, in the parish of St James.” Transformed from an old broken-down structure, the Content Community Center is equipped with meeting rooms, a kitchen, office space with full accessibility, surrounded by a multipurpose basketball and netball court, a football field, each with spectator stands amidst well-manicured grass covered lawns and extended parking facilities. The four-acre facility is complete with a retaining wall and security fencing and will serve the communities by hosting other activities.
Minister Bartlett said he envisaged “that this will be the centre of various festivals, where cultural activities, a huge number of sporting events, but more importantly, that this community center will be the focus for public education in the communities around this area.” He said it will enable discussions and seminars on issues within both the government and private sectors, inclusive of teaching moments that will empower residents to act.
Mr. Bartlett was particularly pleased that the community centre would benefit schools that have been struggling with the lack of a suitable playfield and a venue for cultural outreach activities. He said TPDCo would be ensuing that the complex does not rundown and lose its focus and a Complex Committee has been set up under the eyes of TPDCo to ensure “that this facility does not fall into ruinate like so many others across Jamaica” but will be properly managed and monetized to earn funds for its upkeep.
According to Minister Bartlett, the Content Community Center would serve as a model for others that are being created. The complex has been welcomed by Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon who implored members of the community to care for the facility and not cause it to deteriorate and Councillor for the area, Anthony Murray foresees it helping to transform the wider community.
That view is shared by community leader, LoQuesser Livingston-Doctor who regards it as an “absolutely amazing” contribution to the community. She referred to the fact that “it’s multi-faceted so it actually prevents youth from going astray. They have stuff to do here; sporting events – football, netball, other sports, that keep them together. Inside the complex can be used for different activities and it’s an area where they all can meet and do meaningful projects.”
The opening of the community center was commemorated with the inauguration of the Content Games in football and netball among teams within St James. Participants were awarded victory trophies, medals, cash prizes and shirts.
