Statement
to the Legislative Assembly – Scranton Central Park

By
Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin MBE, JP, MLA

5
June, 2019

Mr.
Speaker, in November last year I told the members of this Honourable
House and the public that Government had purchased Scranton Central
Park to ensure that those who live in that community continue to
enjoy that public space.

Today,
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce that yesterday Government signed
a five-year peppercorn Licence to the Central Scranton Community
Committee to occupy, manage and carry out improvements to the
original park site plus land situated at Block 14CJ Parcels 22, 121
and part of 182, which is 1.4 acres off Myles Lane in George Town.

I’m
happy to report that the Committee has a variety of ideas and
proposals to develop and improve park facilities for the local
community and the general public. To help it achieve its goals, Mr.
Speaker, the Committee intends to secure volunteer donations of
materials and labour. I have every confidence they will be
successful.

In
the words of cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt
that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the
world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

I
appreciate the passion of the members of the Central Scranton
Community Committee and I thank them for the diligence in working
with Government to develop a solution that is a win for all involved.

Mr.
Speaker, for well over a decade the former Minister for Lands and
former Leader of Government Business Hon. D. Kurt Tibbetts and I
attempted to purchase on behalf of Government the original Scranton
Park property, which was privately owned by individuals who
graciously let community members use the land for free as a gathering
spot. Over the years it had been used for many things – community
gatherings to celebrate mothers and fathers on their special days,
birthday parties, basketball games and more.

When
finally the land did come on the market, my Government jumped at the
chance to buy it to preserve this oasis in George Town Central.

Now,
with the purchase of the land and the signing of the peppercorn
licence with the Scranton Central Committee, residents in the
community and the public at large can rest assured that an enlarged
Scranton Park will continue to be this haven in the midst of bustling
George Town.

Mr.
Speaker, my Government continues to place a premium on ensuring that
open spaces are available to the public, including access to
neighborhood parks and play areas, and working with the residents in
those communities to ensure those areas are kept tidy, accessible and
safe.

So
far this Government has proven its commitment to public spaces for
our people by purchasing land and enhancing Smith Barcadere, putting
in place the South Sound Board Walk and purchasing property in the
Prospect area for a public park for the Red Bay and Prospect
communities.

Mr.
Speaker, Government continues to scope out lands and beach areas to
procure for the enjoyment of our people across all three of our
beloved Islands. By doing so we are making our communities stronger.

Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I
would like to thank the members of the committee for their hard work.
They include Mr. Dale Ramoon, Ms Lucille Seymour, Mr. Anthony Ramoon,
Ms Cheryl Myles, Ms Christine Burke-Richardson and Ms Donna Wilson.

Thank
you Mr. Speaker.