Dominica: The Grand Bay/Dubique Multipurpose Facility was commissioned on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. People from the community gathered in high spirits to view the long-anticipated project.
The building received complete upgradation to the 2-storey concrete facility which was implemented under the BNTF-10 project at cost of $870,256.62 led by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development.
Reportedly, it was finally brought to completion with the support of the Government of Dominica, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). This event observed prayers, speeches and cultural performances. It celebrated the building, the resilience and unity of the communities that it will serve.
Opening Ceremony begins with Prayers
The opening ceremony was inaugurated with a prayer of dedication by Father Darren Abbas, asking the facility to be filled with ‘inspiration, support and a welcoming atmosphere’.
Now, the building has become a place where lives are enriched, and communities strengthened. His blessing set at tone for a ceremony that reflected gratitude for the hard work of many institutions and individuals who contributed to the project’s success.
Every floor offers different facility
Additionally, the ground floor of the facility consists of an expanded village council office, conference room, library, office to house the District Development Officer, kitchen and washrooms.
The first floor of the facility consists of an events hall with a complete stage, backstage rooms, storeroom and washrooms. The facility also comes with emergency water supply and external solar lights.
This facility will serve the community of Grand Bay and Dubique well and will greatly aid in the provision of services and training activities.
One of the seven project under BNTF programme
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development – Letitia Lestrade-Wyke officially welcomed all. She emphasised the importance of the facility as part of the wider efforts of the government through the BNTF.
She said that it is their great accomplishment to welcome Grand Bay Multipurpose facility, and noted that it was one of the seven projects under the current BNTF programme, with Grand Bay being the second to get fully completed.
Built on two-storey concrete structure
Project Manager of BNTF – Matthew Carrette outlined the specifics of the work carried out. Construction of the multipurpose facility building began in September 2024 at a cost of EC $870,256.62 and involved the complete renovation of a two-storey concrete structure.
He considered that the ground floor includes an expanded village council office, a library, a conference room, a kitchen and facilities designed for accessibility. The upper floor houses have events hall that can also serve as a hurricane shelter.
Carret told the community that, they trust that the facility will always be kept in good condition. They are now the safeguard of this important facility.
Highlights significance of disaster preparedness
Minister Vince Henderson, Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay Constituency described the project as a fulfillment of years of effort. He praised both former and current council members for their persistence while urging that the building be integrated fully into the life of community.
Henderson highlighted the shelter aspect, he stressed the importance for disaster preparedness. He further pointed to the accessible washrooms, ramps, and other inclusive features and said that they have introduced the facility of modern hurricane shelter community, as the facility should be.