President of the Coral Gardens Citizens Association Merlene Duhaney beamed with justifiable pride as the rounds of applause went up at the community’s spanking recreation centre on Half Moon Street.

For the acknowledgement of her role in making the reopening of the newly refurbished community centre a reality last Thursday went beyond the personal.

It was a promise of good things to come for a resilient community whose residents were determined to capitalise on the benefits of co-operation and participation.

And it was clear from the festivities that attended the opening of the building, which was realised with the help of the St James Parish Council, that they meant business.

Literally.

“We are open for business…if you have your birthday parties, or any other functions,” said Duhaney who currently leads the 42-year-old association’s executive team of Vice-President Rudolph Brown; Treasurer Anthony Bragge; Assistant Treasurer Edmund Young and Aubrey Mason.

Money matters aside, the residents are looking forward to creating a recreational park and putting their community back on the real estate map as a residential area of choice.

As much was acknowledged by Mayor Charles Sinclair who gave the keynote address at the opening.

The address, which, was set within the context of a carefully-structured lecture concerning the various processes via which the community could access services through co-operation with local government authorities, was careful to pay appropriate homage to the achievements of the residents.

“I must say heartiest congratulations to all concerned and especially to the hard-working executive body who has stood through thick and thin, weathered the storm and fought the fight to attain the development at this location,” he said.

He noted that the centre, which was constructed on community lands, was an apt illustration of the relevant principles which will characterise the functioning of Local Government once the reform process has been effected.

Adding a pleasantly colourful touch to the evening were the students of the Naz Children’s Centre whose dance to Etana’s Roots went down well with the audience which included residents from the neighbouring Ironshore community.