The South Eleuthera Mission Project comprises the restoration of the Old Clinic building in Rock Sound to serve as a library, internet café, reading room and museum and provide a cultural, training and mentorship centre for South Eleutherans particularly the youth. Initially a Methodist manse built around 1830, the building was condemned at the beginning of this millennium and following a local petition, the people of South Eleuthera were granted use of the building by the Government in 2003. The restoration of the building commenced in April 2005 and as of today over $500,000.00 has been raised for that purpose. The restoration is nearly complete, and with the roof being rebuilt over the next few months, it is planned that the building will be formally open for business early next year. Its original nineteenth century architecture has already been recreated with a spacious verandah and balcony overlooking the Sound, and wood paneled rooms littered with period furniture in the libraries, reading room and museum.
Whilst the AMMC has provided a considerable amount of the funds, the largest share has been gained through various fundraising activities and the outstanding generosity of local inhabitants and visitors. The South Eleuthera Mission is soon to be registered as a non-profit company affiliated with the AMMC with the intent that the Board of Directors will be representative of all the settlements in South Eleuthera. Currently a committee of local Eleutherans under the guidance of Chandra Sands of The Market Place, Rock Sound, has spearheaded the project with Pat Rose Maclean, a second home owner from the United Kingdom, voluntarily overseeing the restoration work.
The South Eleuthera Mission which is drawing a lot of interest from both the Public and Private sector is a one the most ambitious and noteworthy enterprises coming to fruition in Eleuthera and it is clear that it will be a cultural magnet for not just South Eleutherans but for both national and international visitors. Its primary task however will be to empower the local youth to improve their vocational, personal and professional skills.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Peter Maclean (Press Liaison)
Tel.: (1242) 334 2785/2966
Cell: (1242) 455 0729
E.Mail: pjmaclean@gmail.com
Chandra Sands (President of Project Committee)
Tel: (1242) 334 2254
Cell: (1242) 359 7469
E.Mail: csands@rsp1976.com
