Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says the renaming of the Newtown Health Centre and the Newtown Community Centre reflects the nation’s commitment to recognising service and preserving community legacy.
Speaking at the official ceremony in Newtown on 17th February, 2026, Dr. Drew described the occasion as “more than a ceremonial act” and “a declaration of values.”
“This morning’s event is quite important. It is not merely that we gather to unveil a name, but to affirm a legacy,” the Prime Minister said.
The health centre now honours Nurse Millicent West and Kennedy Earle Clarke, while halls within the community centre are dedicated to Lloyd Lazar and retired teacher, Myrtle Neal.
According to Dr. Drew, the institutions represent vital aspects of national life. He described the health centre as “a safeguard for both physical and mental well-being,” while the community centre serves as a place that “nurtures social bonds, learning, creativity, and resilience.”
He added that attaching the names of respected citizens to these institutions provides meaning beyond recognition.
“The renaming of the health centre and the community centre represents more than a ceremonial act. It is really a declaration of values – a statement about who we are, what we cherish, and how we choose to remember those who laboured for the upliftment of our people,” he said.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that honouring individuals in this way allows their contributions to guide future generations.
“A name carries weight. It tells a story. It invites future generations to ask who these persons were, what they stood for, and why they were worthy of remembrance,” he noted.
He commended residents of Newtown and East Basseterre for their long-standing contribution to national development, observing that progress is built through collective effort.
“Their lives stand as testimony that one committed citizen, or many committed citizens, can shape the destiny of many,” Dr. Drew stated.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, including Governor General Dame Marcella Liburd, members of Cabinet, community leaders and family members of the honourees.
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