The Community Centre in Purcell Estate is likely to be named Gertrude Warner Community Centre. Residents hope a name change also brings improved management. Photo VINO

On January 16, 2013 through the Government Information Service (GIS), the Ministry of Health and Social Development issued a public call to members of the Purcell community to submit comments on the recommendation to name the centre in honour of Mrs Gertrude Warner.  

The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it was not prepared to release any information about Mrs Warner at this stage since they are currently testing the proposal. However, they did say that she is well known among residents of the Purcell community and the few calls they have received so far are in favour of the naming. 

Some residents also said they hope the new name would also come with better management of the facility.

A quick visit to the community on January 16, 2013 afternoon substantiated the concerns of several residents. The facility was like an open sepulcher, left to the whims and fancies of “who so-ever will, may come.” The gates were wide open, and entry into the building was very simple as one of the main entrances was unlocked.

There is no denying that the community centre is a beauty and can serve as a great venue for a number of community activities as it is furnished with a spacious auditorium, kitchenette, dressing rooms, lavatories and other rooms for office and other uses. These were all explored by a quick walk through.

Next door is the community basketball court where youths were fully engaged at the time of our visit. Asked about the occupancy of the building, one man told Virgin Island News Online, “Nobody there only when they got something or so.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Social Development said the proposal for the renaming of the Purcell Community Centre has to be taken to cabinet before the change can be effected.