Training Institute in Central Clarendon to get help through CDF

MANDEVILLE — The Hazard Community Training and Development Institute in Central Clarendon is to receive support from Minister of Transport and Works, and Member of Parliament for  the area, Hon. Michael Henry, through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Speaking on April 28, at a career exposition, held on the Hazard playfield, Mr. Henry said the work of the institution requires his continued support, and asked the leaders to work out the most critical areas  that need funding, in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC).

“An organisation like this will help if people are wanted in the tourism field, because they want people with either training or experience. I can’t just recommend a young lady to go on that programme if she has not worked, so I am happy to see the support that you are receiving from  various organisations, to give you the experience,” he said.

The Institute offers  training in welding, cosmetology, electrical installation and hospitality service. Courses to be added include barbering, early childhood education, and food preparation.

Manager for the Institute, Adrian Robinson, said part of its mission is to steer young people away from criminal activities. “We want this parish to continue to grow from strength to strength. We like the trend that we are seeing with the downturn in crime, and we never want to see it return to the fear that was gripping this parish. So, we are grateful for all that has been done. The work is not completed, but we thank all the persons and organisations that have been working with us since 2008,” he said.

Jamalco's Community Relations Officer, Phillip Biggs, who addressed the expo,  said it is good  that opportunities are available, which are geared at young people.

“This centre, which seeks to prepare persons by training them, will ensure that whenever opportunities come, these individuals will be very much prepared to take advantage of these opportunities,” he said.

Marketing and Public Education Officer at the HEART Trust/NTA, Southern Region,  Shaun-Lee Monteith, said that based on the queries and the turn-out, “it is clear that members of this community are interested in training to get a skill."

Also taking part in the expo were the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Clarendon Crime Prevention, the Middlesex International College and the HEART Trust/NTA.

Major sponsors were the Minister, Shagoury’s Aggregates, Middlesex International College, and Jamalco.

By GARFIELD L. ANGUS, JIS REGIONAL OFFICE