The Melbourne Park Social Services Building

Melbourne Social Services Building

by Glen Laman

Finally, after many ups and downs building nears completion

The Melbourne Social Services Building is almost completed and there is much celebration and sighing of relief throughout the old boy and school community.

When I spoke to Audley Hewett of the Florida Chapter recently after one of his many visits to Jamaica in order to coordinate the project, he was confident that the end was in sight. "If we don't finish it won't be because of money," he explained. He had assembed a group of contributors in Jamaica to make the final push to complete the building.

The initial construction effort for the building was spearheaded by KC Old Boy Churchill Neita who raised the original funding for the project in 2004. Various construction delays and cost overruns soon resulted in a complete stoppage. In 2005, Crafton Miller restarted the project but it was still not completed when 2006. Wally Johnson next took up the mantle.

Several attempts were made to restart the project. The KCOBA chapters raised funds to get the project back on track. There were permit issues with the Ministry of Education. Some funds got tied up in the schools accounts leading to still more delays. There were issues between the board and the Old Boys. While there was some progress over the years, after much effort, the building was still far from completion.

The original impetus for the building was the fact that students who were on the free breakfast program were relegated to eating in a rusting shell of a bus that adorned the Melbourne Campus at the time. The new building would provide eating facilities in additional to creating room for other services.

Kudos to Audley Hewett for his dogged determination in pulling out all stops to finish the job. It's a true testament to the fortis spirit of persevering and never yielding. He has spent so much time on KC matters that his wife often comments that he neglects his regular work to do "KC work" forgetting which is his real paying job.

Pat McIntosh and Winston Hewlett were two key players in the project. They handled many of the day to day tasks to keep things moving.

A key aspect of the project has been the role of the KCDTF which provided a much needed service in the management of the funds.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this last phase of the project.

We can all celebrate the completion of this building knowing that although it was a hard fought battle, KC students can enjoy having a much needed facility going forward.

Michael Holding is presented with a KC Mug

Below is a list of contributors to the final stage of the project. Many others have donated over the years as well.

Note: 1) In 2006 Atlanta aka KCOBA(GA) Inc. contributed $200,000 to the building fund.

........2) KCOBA (Toronto) contribution of $140,000 is included in KCOBA (USA) amounts.

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