Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports

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The Clarendon Infirmary was abuzz with activity on National Labour Day, May 23, as community persons, along with parish council representatives, came out to participate in the planting of vegetables and fruit trees on the grounds of the infirmary.

Trevor Morris, Councillor for the Denbigh Division, said that the project, which is the parish Labour Day project, was a worthwhile venture, capable of yielding long-term benefits.

He noted that the infirmary had approximately four acres of uncultivated land, which would be used for growing most of the food required to feed its residents. "We have a whole lot of land that is not being used. What we start here today is something that we are going to continue, so by the middle of the year, we will see more land being prepared and an expansion of the programme," he told JIS News.

Matron in charge of the infirmary, Joyce Anderson, said that the project would go a far way in feeding the 145 persons resident at the facility, easing the strain on the budget of the Parish Council.

"If we cultivate enough to feed ourselves," she pointed out, "the money allocated for food could be used to address some of the other needs of persons here."

She also mentioned the refurbishing of the chicken coops on the property, which were damaged during Hurricanes Dean and Ivan.

According to Ms. Anderson, the farm project would also provide occupational therapy for residents, who would be required to assist in watering the crops and tending to the chickens.

The Clarendon Infirmary is home to 145 persons age 25 to 102 years. The facility not only serves as a safe haven for the indigent and the mentally and physically challenged, but is also a rehabilitation centre, where persons have been helped and subsequently reintegrated into society.

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