Barbados Today

The new purpose-built facility at the Nightengale Complex for children with disabilities has been completed and Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, is extremely pleased with the work done on the Black Rock, St. Michael institution.

Lashley made the comments today after touring the $3 million facility. It was funded by the Barbados Children’s Trust, which has already refurbished three cottages at the complex and committed itself to a three-year maintenance programme.

The minister explained that the completion of the facility had paved the way for the transfer of children from the Home in Haynesville to Nightengale.

“With the relocation completed, there will be opportunity for increase day care placements in the St .James area,” he disclosed.

“I want to compliment the trust and the contractors, Jada Construction, for completing this critical project on time and at no cost whatsoever to the Government of Barbados.

“This is a wonderful gift to the children of Barbados by the Barbados Children’s Trust, assisted by its partners, Jada Construction, in particular.”

Lashley lauded the tireless efforts of the directors, Chairman Sue Magnier, Yvonne Brewer, Sir Kyffin Simpson, Lady Carol Bamford, Ellen Horesji, Sue Sangster, Clyde Turney and Project Director Danielle Tempro, whom he said he saw at the site giving of their time and advice.

“In addition, I am aware that all of the therapeutic equipment and the specially designed beds were donated by various companies in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and for that I wish to thank them immensely,” he stressed.

The minister also praised Philip Tempro of Jada Construction and his team for “the high level of workmanship at the facility” and thanked the management and staff of the Child Care Board for their work on the project.

The Barbados Children’s Trust is working with the Board to create a children’s village at the Nightengale Complex.