AXE AND ADZE, Hanover

Pastor Rupert Shippy, chairman of the District Development Committee (DDC) of this community and the Citizens Association are planning to set up a multipurpose factory facility to make liquid curry, pumpkin powder, pepper sauce and other condiments and pastries.

The scheme which is designed to generate employment, will also see farmers playing a key role as they will plant the pumpkins and peppers.

According to Pastor Shippy the interest that young men are taking in farming augurs well for the community.

Jamaica National Building Society has also come onboard with assistance to the tune of $79,000.00 to aid in purchasing of some equipment for

the factory.

In addition to the factory, plans are also in place to create a nature park as a tourist attraction using the $550,000 parish award that the community won last year in the Social Development Commission’s competition.

A cave and a spring in the area are being viewed as added attractions although the road leading to them is in dire need of repair.

In the meantime, according to Pastor Shippy, a returning resident has pledged some US$5000 towards the construction of a community centre and sporting complex.

Currently there is a football competition going on and the Independent Baptist church in the area hosts ongoing tuition-free CXC classes which are taught by volunteer teachers four days per week.

According to Pastor Shippy the committee has managed to rent a house in the area for the purposes of an office which he said will be set up in a part of the building while another section will be used for training in the culinary arts.

Pastor Shippy who has been ministering for over 35 years is passionate about self and community development, although he concedes “we do feel abandoned at times”.

He said Councillor Wynter McIntosh has pledged to assist with the setting up of the curry factory.