A feather in the cap of Hanover Parish Council during the past year was a new dormitory for the Infirmary’s fifty residents, whose age old residence was found wanting.
The new facility has replaced buildings of over 100 years old, and which had begun to show severe signs of wear and tear. Since the renovation of the Municipal Building at One Church Street in Lucea, in 2000, the Infirmary project was the single greatest achievement of the Local Authority.
Its construction was facilitated by funding from the Council, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the CHASE Fund, as well as a number of private sector businesses and individuals. Officially opened just before the turn of the New Year by Hon. Noel Arscot, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, the project is undoubtedly the Parish Council’s most significant achievement by miles, over the last decade.
Today, the residents are basking in a much improved environment and they are joined by the Staff of the Infirmary for whom the new facilities have put pep in their step. Also visitors to the Infirmary now feel encouraged to pay greater attention to golden agers many of whom gave invaluable contribution to society.
Using the growing method of polystyrene foam, commonly called styrofoam, the building brings a number of advantages to the project.
"You will get a faster (construction time), cheaper and cooler (building) which is just as strong," managing director of Free Form, Keith Edwards, told Sunday Business. He says that foam material is water and fire-resistant and for the security conscious, bullet resistant. Free Form were the project contractors.
With the building located on a virtual ledge overlooking the sea which is mere metres away , the residents can now rest assured of the hurricane resistant qualities of the structure. As a priority shelter of the parish’s 59 hurricane shelters, the new building eliminates the perennial need for the residents to be moved to the nearby St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which for many years played an outstanding part in the safety of the Infirmary Staff and residents.
“I no longer go to bed with tears on my pillow during the hurricane season, over the threat posed to the Infirmary residents,” stated Mayor Wynter McIntosh. “I know it is a case of Paul planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase,” he continued, alluding to the fact that the project was conceived by Councillor Fredrick Miller at the instigation of Matron Ruth Williams and Disaster Coordinator Desmond Dorman, promoted by Mayor Llyod Hill, and executed by himself in tandem with Secretary Manager Judy Lawrence.
