Residents of Pares have officially welcomed a new community resource following the opening of a long-anticipated community centre spearheaded by ABLP candidate for St. Peter, Rawdon Turner.

The facility, which was introduced to residents during a community engagement, has now been completed and formally opened, marking a significant step in efforts to expand access to digital tools and educational support within the village.

Turner described the centre as a space designed to bridge gaps in access to essential services, particularly for young people and students.

Minister Rawdon Turner with constituents

“This centre is about opportunity,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that our young people—and anyone in the community—have access to the tools they need to succeed, whether that’s completing schoolwork, conducting research, or simply accessing the internet.”

The newly opened centre is equipped with internet access, printing services, and resources to assist students with School-Based Assessments (SBAs), research projects, and other academic assignments. It is also expected to serve a wider cross-section of the community, including job seekers, small business operators, and residents in need of basic digital services.

Residents expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that reliable internet and printing facilities have not always been easily accessible in the area—often posing challenges for students working against deadlines.

Turner emphasized that the centre is intended to be inclusive and community-driven, offering support not just for academic pursuits, but for personal and professional development as well.

The opening of the Pares community centre forms part of a broader push by Turner to address grassroots needs across St. Peter, with a focus on youth empowerment, education, and expanding access to opportunity ahead of the April 30 general election.