Here to help

THE Salvation Army is currently putting measures in place to embark on three major projects that will seek to improve the lives of the needy in Barbados’ society.

During a press conference at the Salvation Army’s Reed Street, Bridgetown, headquarters, Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Paul Bernstein, announced that through a joint partnership with the Maria Holder Trust, the Army will be constructing a Bds$650 000 feeding and multi-purpose centre in Speightstown, St Peter.

“We have approval from Town and Country Planning, we have the quantity surveyors on board, we have the contractors ready, we are just awaiting the Government to waive the duties that we applied for.

“We applied two months ago, we don’t know when we will get it, but we hope to get it soon. But that centre will be a feeding and multipurpose centre downstairs, while upstairs will have a three-bedroom living and dining facility for the major who is there,” he said.

The second project the Army is looking at is renovating the church, which is based at the headquarters. Bernstein said it is estimated that the renovation will cost Bds$350 000.

“We have to keep the heritage look and we are hoping to expand to make it a little bit larger, so that besides having the church we could also have a conference centre. The plan for the renovation is soon to be submitted to the Town and Country Planning,” he explained.

The third project will be the construction of a women and senior citizens home on Salvation Army-owned land, situated at Long Bay, St Philip.

"We have an architect who is now designing a building for us, and then once we get that we will be looking to try and raise 1.5 million dollars from those business people who will support us. With these big projects we are looking at big companies and charitable organisations to come on board with us,” Bernstein said. (AH)