CATEGORY:COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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MAMMA CANNES, St. Andrew - It was a true expression of community spirit, as hundreds turned out at the Mamma Cannes Playing Field in St Andrew on Sunday for what was called “The Mamma Cannes Lime”. The old, not so old, the middle age and even half-a-dozen German tourists were on hand for what turned out to a truly exciting fun day. A 20/20 Cricket fixture between EX-Nationals and St Andrew South East was the highlight of the activity, which also featured women’s cricket, football and culture.

Some of the country’s top Calypsonians participated in the cultural display rendering their big hits for the just ended Carnival season in the session that went late into the evening. Minister of Youth in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Emmalin Pierre, was the mastermind of the idea. She paid tribute to the community for its wholesome involvement. “There is this perception that community spirit is dying and people to do want to come together to do things. As you see this is definitely not so”, the Youth Minister said to those in attendance.

Senator Pierre said that she was touched by the spirit and participation of the community who came together to clean the playing field, prepared food and contributed to making the activity truly a success. “It is a clear indication that community spirit and togetherness is certainly alive. I want to commend the people of Mamma Cannes for making the day’s activity possible.” Senator Pierre is hopeful that the true community spirit exhibited in Mamma Cannes could be spread far and wide across the country.

“That is very much needed; because when I look around and see the elderly people and how they are enjoying themselves just as the young people, it really tells you that there is not much of a generation gap.” Senator Pierre says the Youth Department has just approved a project to have young people more involved in meaningful activities throughout the country. She said that many of the activities that were for example organized for Youth Service Day would now be organized throughout the year, so that young people can be engaged on a more regular basis.

“What we are actually doing is extending some of the projects that we have existing within the ministry for example, sporting activities, environmental and beautification projects, education and care for the elderly. The idea is to have these and other projects on a more regular basis, not only at special times but throughout the entire year”, a delighted senator Pierre told Spice Isle Review. She said that the outcome of the Mamma Cannes Lime has shown that community spirit is very alive.