The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

KAREN Pinder-Johnson, the YMCA’s executive director, has praised Beautiful Grand Bahama (BGB) for assisting with much-needed improvements to the facility and its sporting amenities.

The Y has been struggling with manpower challenges related to maintenance work and grounds upkeep.

Ms Johnson said BGB has assisted them with painting the facility and adequately grooming the landscape, playing fields, and tennis courts.

“I want to thank Minister (of Grand Bahama) Ginger Moxey for the help we received from BGB because, for so long, we have been running a one-man band to keep the facilities going,” she said.

Mrs Johnson said they received a generous donation of 20 gallons of paint from Kelly’s Freeport last year, but it sat idle because they did not have manpower.

BGB brought in a team of 15 men to help paint the building and do other minor work around the premises.

Mrs Johnson said the YMCA caters to young people and wants to create a clean environment that will positively impact the individuals who use and visit the facility.

Sonia Knowles, president of the Legacy Baseball and Softball Association, was impressed with BGB’s improvements to the YMCA’s playing fields.

She said Grand Bahama will be hosting the baseball nationals in June this year, and the fields need extensive work to be up to par.

“BGB came at the perfect time because the fields we have here were not up to the level we needed them to be, and they stepped in to help us maintain them. They have been a tremendous help to us,” said Mrs Knowles.

She commended BGB for partnering with the association to provide ongoing upkeep and prevent weeds and outgrowth in the fields.

Knowles said they have been struggling for years to secure corporate sponsorship to help maintain the field and dugouts and help with fencing.

She said seating areas have been installed so parents can sit and watch the game. The dugouts damaged during Hurricane Dorian have been fixed and painted. Two additional dugouts are under construction.

“BGB has been a tremendous help for us because many kids come to the YMCA to enjoy the amenities offered here,” Knowles said.

Edwin Strachan, BGB team captain, said they were pleased to assist the YMCA.

He said they pressure-washed the tennis courts, removed overgrown bushes from the perimeter fence, cleaned the entire exterior of the building, and did some carpentry work on the dugouts and stands in the playing fields.

Mr Strachan said there has been positive feedback about the improvements at the Y.

He also said the people who have been hired are excited to be part of the BGB programme.

“This programme has given some of them a second chance to get their lives together. They are learning trades and different skills. Some of them have transitioned from the programme and are working at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, the Grand Lucayan Hotel, and other government agencies,” Ms Strachan said.