CAYON COMMUNITY CENTRE REOPENS AFTER EXTENSIVE RENOVATION

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 01, 2026 (SKNIS): The Cayon Community Centre and Post Office officially reopened on Wednesday, September 30, following extensive renovation to address structural, environmental and operational challenges that kept the facility closed since November 2021. The reopening ceremony was attended by the Acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of State with responsibility for Social Development and Gender Affairs, Senator, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, senior government officials, community stakeholders and residents of Cayon and surrounding communities.

Project Officer within the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs, Kerissa Roberts, outlined the extensive work undertaken to prepare the facility for reopening, including roof repairs, interior and exterior painting, perimeter fencing, rehabilitation of the cistern and plumbing systems, improvements to internal spaces and the removal of mold-affected materials. “Today, we are not here simply to celebrate a fresh coat of paint or cosmetic improvements,” Roberts said. “We have arrived at this point because we addressed key structural, environmental, and operational issues that stood between this facility and its safe reopening. ” The rehabilitation process presented several unexpected challenges, particularly relating to persistent water intrusion and air-quality concerns. Roberts explained that after initial roof-sealing works failed to fully resolve the problem, further assessment revealed that the roof was not adequately sloped toward its perimeter drains. In December 2025, the ministry, with assistance from the Public Works Department, mobilised Davis Construction to undertake a further roof addition project. The works included deep cleaning of the…