Collectivité First Vice President Alain Richardson (right) and Sous Préfète Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau cut the ribbon to inaugurate the District Council Two offices in Grand Case. (Robert Luckock photo)
GRAND CASE--As part of the Victor Schoelcher Fête programme on Tuesday, the new headquarters for District Council number two was inaugurated on Rue des Ecoles with a ribbon cutting performed by Collectivité First Vice President Alain Richardson and Sous Préfète Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau.
The District Council’s representative, Allan Lake, spoke briefly about the location and the Council’s plans for the district going forward.
Following the mass in the Catholic Church, the elected officials watched the parade of troupes on the Boulevard, led by the Sonic Drum Band. There were just two speeches, one by Vice President Alain Richardson, standing in for President Louis Mussington who is in Paris, and the other by Sous Préfète Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau.
Richardson reminded that Victor Schoelcher in 1848 presented the decree for the abolition of slavery, but also credited another abolitionist, François Auguste-Perrinon, a close associate of Schoelcher, for the work done to abolish slavery.
“This marked a crucial turning point in the history of our former colonies, and it is this hard-won freedom that we honour today with joy and pride. We are celebrating today's hard-won freedom. Freedom should never be taken away, and never taken for granted,” said Richardson.
He said it was also the day to celebrate Grand Case village, its people, traditions, and a bright future.
“Once a small village where fishing and sailing were among the main activities, tourism has become the heartbeat of the village. Today, charming guesthouses, boutiques, gastronomic restaurants and our famous lolos have made Grand-Case one of the Caribbean's most renowned destinations.”
Richardson switched to the projects that had come to fruition for Grand Case. This included the inauguration of the Mary Star of the Sea church on December 9, 2024 following an extensive renovation. The opening of the Territorial Police Station branch in Grand Case strengthened security.
Two schools have been the subject of work to accommodate the children of Grand-Case. At the Élie Gibs primary school, landscaping has been carried out. A modern building now houses the swimming pool with its changing rooms and showers.
At the Ghislaine Rogers nursery school, offices as well as relaxation areas have been created to improve working conditions of the educational staff and the reception of children.
“At La Savane, not only have we rehabilitated the sports field, we are now attacking the parking and sidewalks. This work will be completed before the start of the school year. I will not dwell on College 900. The facts now speak for themselves. The football field now benefits from lighting, allowing our young people to continue practising their sport after dark.
“These are not just construction projects. They are investments in our quality of life, in our youth and in the future of this community. In September, the foundations of the future Maison des Associations will be laid. It will offer the many associations in Grand-Case the means to develop their activities, pass on their know-how and strengthen social ties. Because strong communities are built by engaged citizens.”
