The Tribune

The Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls bid goodbye to its 2016/17 term with a fun-filled weekend for both its residents and officials.

Organised by the centre's 2016/17 committee, which was spearheaded by Chairwoman Krysta A Mason-Smith, the "Farewell Weekend" kicked off last Saturday with an outing to Mario's Bowling and Entertainment Palace.

The girls, their matrons, supervisors and senior administrators enjoyed a day of good food, fun activities, but most importantly, fellowship with each other in a wholesome environment.

All costs, including bus transportation for the residents, were covered by the committee, as well as a sponsors Gavin Bastian, general manager of Bahama Subs, and Bryan Bastian, senior affiliate of Bahama Subs.

Joia Archer, a representative of Mario's, facilitated the outing and served as host for the day. Senior administrators in attendance were Supt Michelle Nottage and Asst Supt Sagina Pratt, along with social worker Jenna Christie. Committee members in attendance were Cecelia E Cooper and Andrea Cox.

On Sunday, the committee and senior administrators, in partnership with Mount Tabor's Labour of Love Ministry, attended Mount Tabor Church in Pinewood Gardens for the 10am worship service.

They were welcomed by Mrs Cox, who also leads the Labour of Love Ministry and sits as a chairwoman on Willie Mae Pratt Centre committee. The service was led by Pastor Lorenzo Clarke, second assistant to Bishop Neil Ellis who was out of country for an international conference, and Pastor Reginald Cox, who also serves in the Labour of Love Ministry.

Ms Mason-Smith said she is extremely grateful to the centre's board members who gave of their time to ensure that all goals set were achieved during the term, despite time lost due to Hurricane Matthew.

"They were so supportive of me and my platform. We were all on one accord. They shared the same passion as I, and we worked together to better the centre in any way we could. I trust that the 2017/18 committee, once confirmed, will follow our lead and not disappoint. I appreciate all who have worked with me on this journey and given of themselves to assist in keeping our Bahamas beautiful and great, despite the inescapable challenges we often face as a nation," she said.

The Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls aims to provide crafted learning experiences in a neutral environment to adjust the thinking, feelings and actions of its juveniles in custody.