Ground will be broken on Wednesday, March 20 for reconstruction of Clifton Boys’ Home in Darliston
Designed by well-known architect, Ray McIntyre, plans for the new two-storey structure were announced recently (March 5) at a Media Briefing and Contract Signing Ceremony hosted by the Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands (Anglican), which has operated the Home since its establishment in 1961, some 58 years ago.
The project, which is estimated to cost some J$60 million, will be undertaken by the Sav-la-mar-based Neville Daley and Associates Construction Company. Quantity Surveyors are Neville Mills Associates Limited.
The 4,000 sq. ft. building will accommodate 40 boys, up from the 30 housed at the Home at the time of the fire. The facilities will include dormitories and quarters for house parents on both floors, a multi-purpose room which will also serve as a homework centre, a sick bay and common lounge area. A kitchen, storeroom and laundry are among its other features.
Chairman of the Home, the Rev. Canon The Hon. Hartley Perrin, thanked the Pastor and members of the Assemblies of Holiness Church in the neighbouring community of Caledonia where the boys have been accommodated at nominal cost since the fire. He also acknowledged the many individuals and companies that have contributed to the fundraising programme.
To date just over J$30 million of the J$60 million required for the rebuilding programme have been received; and the Diocese will be increasing its efforts to achieve the targeted sum.
In his remarks, Bishop Howard Gregory traced the involvement of the Anglican Church in caring for persons in need, especially children. This dates back to 1892 with the establishment of the Belmont Orphanage in Stony Hill by the then Bishop of Jamaica, Enos Nuttall.
Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to the development of troubled youngsters, Bishop Gregory said, “We believe institutions such as Clifton Boys’ Home have a critical role to play in a Jamaica in which the number of at-risk males is increasing; and the deterioration in social order poses a threat to nation-building and the attainment of our 2030 Vision to make our country a place of choice.”
Clifton Boys’ Home is one of three Children’s Homes currently operated by the Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands. The other two are The Wortley Home for Girls in Constant Spring, and St. Monica’s Home in Chapelton, Clarendon.
Contact: Beverley Newell, Communications Officer, Diocese of Jamaica & The Cayman Islands, Tel: 876-926-8925 (Church House); Cell: 876-320-2485; e-mail: bevelaine@gmail.comDate: March 17, 2019
