Signing of Memorandum of Understanding for the Construction and Outfitting of the New La Horquetta Youth Facility

Good afternoon to you all,

It is my pleasure to address you on this auspicious occasion of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the construction and outfitting of the new La Horquetta Youth Facility.

I also bring greetings and best wishes on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Pennelope Beckles.

I think we can all agree that every project requires a sound foundation, and we at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and by extension our agency, the Housing Development Corporation, are only too happy to be a part of this initiative by providing the land, which will serve as the cornerstone on which this youth facility will be built.

We are excited to forge this partnership with our counterparts at the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service as they roll out the National Youth Agenda, understanding only too well, the importance such a facility will play in meeting the needs of the young people within this community and environs.

The La Horquetta Youth Facility will be located in the heart of an HDC housing development. Our expectation is that it will create a welcoming oasis for the young people of the area to interact amicably, as well as act as an innovative catalyst so that they can make a positive difference in their community and the nation as a whole. We believe that it is important for our young people to have a safe place to thrive, be inspired, be blessed, learn, grow and be able to pursue their dreams.

This is an important project which, when completed, will be a source of great pride, and a testament to the wonderful things that can be accomplished when we work together for the common good.

We, at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, envision that this facility will transform the lives of our young people throughout the community, and as such, are very pleased to be a part of this journey with all of you. We trust that this facility will be the standard bearer for other communities across the country, as we continue what we have started here today to help our young people fulfill their potential.

In so doing, I wish to commend Minister Cummings and his hardworking team at the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service for their continued efforts in this regard. I think you all deserve a round of applause.

I, also wish to note and congratulate Minister Hosein and his team from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government for their support of this important initiative. It is all about collaboration and doing the right thing for our young people…..as we seek to Put our Youth First!

The construction and outfitting of the new La Horquetta Youth Facility is a demonstration of our confidence in the young people of this area. Let’s build on that notion by taking the first step with the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding so that our youths can begin to accomplish all they are meant to accomplish.

In closing, let me just share a few words from the famous writer, Justin Rosenstein, who said, “Life is short, youth is finite, and opportunities endless”. Our collective actions today with the signing of this MoU will certainly provide opportunities for the youths of this community, once the La Horquetta Youth Facility is constructed and outfitted.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity to address you on this occasion.

Delivered by The Honourable Adrian Leonce, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development