BLUEFIELDS, Westmoreland – Members of the Bluefields Peoples Community Association (BPCA) are in high spirits after receiving two donations of equipment, valued at more than $350,000, within the last two weeks.

This is in sharp contrast to the gloom that spread across the community late last year, following the robbery at the association’s resource centre of computers and other equipment, valued at more than $500,000.

It is the Canadian-based Jamaica Medical Associates that donated a computer and fax/scanner/photocopying machine, valued at over $100,000 This donation came on the heels of a previous donation of five computers to the BPCA, valued at $250,000.00. Canadian company, Carlson Marketing Group, hospitality kingpin, Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa and the National airline carrier, Air Jamaica Ltd collaborated in making the first donation a reality.

The BPCA is a community-based effort, which provides a range of community development services towards the social, economic and cultural upliftment of the people of Bluefields and environs.

BPCA’S present projects include an active environmental (Anti-Litter) project, Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) classes and computer classes for more than 400 students from seven different basic and primary schools in the area, with funding from the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ).

In addition BPCA has an on going programme for 240 “at risk youths” in the community ranging in age from 17 to 27, sponsored by United Nations Development Programme and Microsoft Ltd, implemented by the Jamaica Sustainable Development Programme.

According to the BPCA Chairman, Keith R. Wedderburn, “the BPCA’s is grateful for the contributions which will assist in the delivery of projects that were severely affected following last year’s robbery at the institution.