For those who are familiar with this area they can affirm the fact that a transformation has taken place here and it is our intention that this spirit of transformation will be contagious and move through out the constituency.  The aim and objective of this place is for there to be a positive transformation in the lives of the people in the constituency of Saint Thomas more.

The Centre will house seven internet accessible computers, generously donated by the 100 Black Men of America through the 100 Black Men of New Providence (The local affiliate chapter of the 100 Black Men of America).

There will be programs, to help all in the community benefit from all that the computer offers and to become computer literate. I invite all persons who are interested in assisting with this effort either the St. Thomas More Learning Program, either through the Saturday morning class or by assisting at the Community Technology Centre to please come forward. Any community program can only flourish if supported by the community.

The Technology and Research Community Centre consists of 7 computers connected to the internet the World Wide Web. It will help many fronts for those who do not know how to use the computer provision will be made to help you learn. For those who need to use a research tool this place is here to help you, for those want to improve their skills develop their lives then this place is for you.

It took real time from real people to make today happen with some real dedication and energy to make today happen.  The 100 Black Men of New Providence have developed and locked into the prospect real men giving real time for a real cause.  Before I go on I would wish to say something of the ‘100’.  The first honorary member in the Bahamas was Former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest in 1987 a few years ago Businessman Mr. Al Collie was made an Honorary Member a few years ago and most recently the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Perry Christie was made an Honorary Member.   The need for this cannot be overstated.  How we fare in the future as a people really depends on how well we embrace opportunities for development now.   So I say a special thank you on behalf of the community for your kind contribution that made today possible.

To the people from the community who have reached out to help all indications are that they will continue to do so I say thank.  You have helped to make today possible.

At this time we wish to announce a number of initiatives that will be offered to our constituency to assist in the social and educational development of our people.  Firstly, our Children’s Learning Program.

The St. Thomas More Children’s Learning Program is designed to encourage the educational and social development of the children of this community by: Supplementing and reinforcing what is covered in school lessons; and Providing children with positive exposure to elements of our community.

At present, the program is designed to cater to the needs of residents in two ways.  First, there is the Saturday Morning Class.  This The St. Thomas More Saturday Morning Class will provide a structured environment for primary school children of the community to receive assistance with reviewing the work completed during the past week and prepare for the upcoming school week.  The classes will be held every Saturday of the school term at the DW Davis Junior High School. We wish to thank the D W Davis for agreeing to house our Saturday morning class. Secondly, the Community Technology Resource Centre, will house a children’s library. I would like to thank Ms. Helen Walker who is not here today for her kind donation of 400 books to help us get started, and Bruniza Cooper and Mrs. Elease Smith and Island Merchants for their donation of 100 volumes.

Just this summer we held our back to school town meeting. We sought to prepare in some way the students and parents for the experience of going back to school.  We had a wonderful panel assembled and they did a fantastic job and no doubt everyone benefited.

There is much discussion of globalization and the need to get up to speed and to stay abreast of those advances throughout the world in technology and new ideas.   These initiatives are designed to help our people develop themselves and to prepare to meet the challenges as they present themselves.  Well, with this we hope to set our own very high standards that others will follow.  We want to be the ones who people talk about and say guess what they are doing in the Bahamas.  If we continue on this path the world will follow.