Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, presented grants to six (6) local community clubs and organisations, totalling $151,700, which will support youth programs and assist with capital upgrades. The initiative is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to supporting the community efforts of local organisations.
Joining Premier Burt for the cheque presentations were, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, Dr. the Hon. Ernest Peets, JP, Lovitta Foggo, JP, MP, Neville Tyrrell, JP, MP, and Kim Swan, JP, MP.
Cheques were presented to the following organisations:
· Pembroke Hamilton Club $6,200 (capital development grant)
· Jiketsu Martial Arts $12,500 (support for youth programs)
· PayAKid $12,500 (support for youth programs)
· Western Stars Sports Club $20,500 (capital development grant)
· St. David’s Cricket Club $50,000 (capital development grant)
· St. George’s Cricket Club $50,000 (capital development grant)
Premier Burt said: “In the 2020/21 budget, $500,000 in capital development funding was set aside for community clubs, to assist in the upgrade of their facilities. In September, the Minister of Finance, the Hon Curtis Dickinson announced as part of the Government’s stimulus plan that the $1 million set aside for this program in next year’s budget, would be brought forward for a total of $1.5 million in this year’s budget to support more economic activity and jobs. Additionally, due to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on club fundraising, $250,000 has been made available from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support youth programs.”
The Premier continued: “We certainly recognise that this has been an incredibly challenging time for our island. Our community and sports clubs have also struggled against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even with the adversities that this year has presented, these organisations managed to provide important services to their community. We believe it is important to extend our support where possible to these organisations and their programs. They play an invaluable part in the communities they serve, and these funds will allow them to continue that work.”
“Community clubs and organisations were invited last July, to apply for grants, and detail what they needed to continue doing the important work in their communities. We received quite a few applications that identified where support was required. These financial resources will support youth programs and assist clubs in upgrading their facilities while getting community members back to work.”
A combination of these grants were awarded following a Chat and Chew event held last July. Community clubs were invited to discuss and identify areas of need. The Premier held the first cheque presentation in September, to eight (8) local community organisations. The second presentation was held in December, where six (6) local community clubs were presented with cheques.
A total of $316,500 out of $1.5 million budgeted for capital development assistance has been awarded to date. A total of $68,700 out of $250,000 made available from the Confiscated Asset Fund has been awarded thus far to support youth programs.
Local community clubs can request an application form by e-mailing premier@gov.bm in order to apply.