RESIDENTS here are the beneficiaries of two new libraries which were constructed at a combined cost of $27 million under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Sugar Transformation Unit.

The European Union Sugar Accompanying Measures Programme funded the projects.

Both facilities — Falmouth Infant School Library and Clark’s Town Branch Library — were officially handed over to the communities on Friday.

Participating in the handingover ceremony were Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Derrick Kellier, Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, Jesus Orus Baguena of the European Union (EU) and officials from the Jamaica Library Service.

Kellier in his address explained that the library at the Falmouth Infant School is one of five such facilities that have been constructed throughout the sugar-dependent communities of Jamaica at a cost of $65 million… in order to expand the national school library network”.

Meanwhile, the two facilities were welcomed with open arms by Trelawny residents who lauded the EU for its generosity.

“Respect to the EU for this facility,” a Clark’s Town female resident, in attendance at Friday’s handover ceremony in her community, was overheard saying.

“It is a welcome move to the parish. Thanks to the EU,” a parent, Paul Fearon, remarked.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Leon Jackson, a former educator.

“It is a step in the right direction. It is a tool to foster an aspect of children’s educational development. Reading opens the door for knowledge,” he commented.

Kellier said: “A gateway to new experience and opportunities, and a conduit to learning and growing, reading enables us to become the very best that we can as human beings. In fact, reading is a fundamental requirement for the education and development of our people.”

Meanwhile, Thwaites implored the staff at the Falmouth Infant School, which is headed by Principal Mona Ennis, to consider sharing the library with other early childhood students in the area.

“Getting the habit of going to a library at the early childhood centre is a most important gift that we are giving to our little children. And I am going to beg you here at Falmouth Infant School — you have so many other basic schools around — it will take us some time to amalgamate them or develop them into alls or develop them into the character and excellence of infant schools, but try and open your facilities to them if you can. Let them feel welcome so that the resources can have a multiplying effect,” the minister of Education implored.

Baguena hailed the Government for partnering with the EU on the project.

“This particular initiative is an important part of the development. of local social infrastructure that is critical in improving education, thus reducing poverty and enhancing development, and I must commend the Jamaican Government and the Ministry of Agriculture for working with us in the education strategy,” Baguena said.

In the meantime, Kellier noted that under the STU initiative “here in Trelawny, we have spent $391.9 million on the construction of houses, the improvement of schools, health facilities, rural roads and water supply”.