thebahamasweekly.com - Prime Minister Minnis opens Champ’s Community Center

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Bahamas Information Services Updates
Prime Minister Minnis opens Champ’s Community Center
By Robyn Adderley
Apr 25, 2021 - 4:14:23 PM

PRESENTATION TO PM – During the official opening of the Champ’s Community Center on Saturday, Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis (left), who was the guest speaker, was presented with a book from Rick Schussier, president of Champs Mission and Pastor Darrin Rolle, Director of Falcons Boys Club. Also shown are Jasmin Rolle, wife of Pastor Rolle and one of the Center’s Directors. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – The Directors of Champ’s Community Center and the Falcon’s Boys Club were encouraged to expand their programs to other islands in The Bahamas by Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis said on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Founded by Pastor Darrin Rolle, the Falcon’s Boys Club has had thousands of young men in their program over the past 24 years.

Prime Minister Minnis was the special guest speaker at the official opening ceremony at the Champ’s Community Center and shared that he grew up in Bain Town, what is considered the ghetto.

He noted that although they may not have had much, they had a community. It was an area where young people had to speak to those they met and if they failed to do so, they were disciplined when they got home.

Back then, he said, this was not considered child abuse but children being guided.
The Prime Minister added that there were leaders in the community who guided the children, even if it was an older sibling.

He explained that there were no community centers like those today and the country should be grateful for what is being provided today.

FIRST CHEQUE – First Caribbean was on hand during the official opening of Champ’s Community Center to present the first cheque in the amount of $2,000 for phase two. Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis (center) is seen during the presentation. At left of the Prime Minister is Rick Schussier, president of Champs Mission. At right of the Prime Minister are Pastor and Mrs. Darrin Rolle, Director of Falcon’s Boys Club and Sally Laing, Manager of First Caribbean Freeport Branch. Also shown are Directors and Advisors of the Center. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

The center is not isolated, continued the Prime Minister, as it was evident by the contributors and volunteers present for its opening.

He also stated that the many religious leaders present at the center are sending forth a positive message to the young men; and they are learning that when faced with a negative message, they do not have to respond with violence, alcohol, drugs or criminal activity.

Prime Minister Minnis added that he would like to see the program expanded to other Family Islands and the government would assist with this program as “we are one Bahamas”.

Also giving brief remarks during the ceremony was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Iram Lewis who also commended Pastor Rolle for providing a

“safe space” for young men where they can be involved in sports and recreation.
He said the young men will be assisted in developing important skills to help them to find themselves.

Minister for Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard; Minister of State for Finance and Grand Bahama, Sen. the Hon. Kwasi Thompson; Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe; Peter Turnquest, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama and Rev. Frederick McAlpine, Member of Parliament for Pineridge all gave brief remarks having made contributions to the program in the past.

Also present was Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield, Grand Bahama Port Authority President, Ian Rolle and Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama, Harcourt Brown.

The Prime Minister was in town for the Recommissioning of the Rand Memorial Hospital on Friday and is expected to return to Nassau on Sunday.

SPECIAL GUESTS – Special guests turned out in full force for the official opening of Champ’s Community Center on Saturday where Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, was the special guest speaker. Pictured are Mr. Trevor Edgecombe and the Hon. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction; the Hon. Iram Lewis, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; the Hon. Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Hon. Michael Pintard, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources. Shown in the second row from left are: Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wilson, Missions Director of High Street Baptist Church; Harcourt Brown, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama; Rev. Frederick McAlpine, Member of Parliament for Pineridge and Peter Turnquest, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama.