GECCU opens Eco-friendly recreational facility at South Rivers

RESIDENTS OF St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), as well as visitors now have an additional recreational facility where they can have family or group limes or other such events.

This new facility is the River 14 Recreational Park which is nestled in the community of South Rivers.

The facility, which was developed by the General Employees Co-operative Credit Union (GECCU), and other partners was officially opened on Thursday, March 10. Speaking at the opening ceremony, GECCU’s CEO, Rohan Stowe urged members of the community to “Take care of the facility” and “ensure that it is not vandalised or misused.”

Stowe said GECCU has already advertised for a few jobs and expressed hope that persons in the community had applied for those jobs.

He said GECCU has to work with the Tourism Authorities to have the River 14 project listed as a National Eco-tourism site and it could become the catalyst for a Eco-tourism hub.

“There is a range of activities and associated activities that could go along with a facility like this,” Stowe said.

The area is surrounded by a lush, green forest and a diversity of wildlife which includes the National Bird, the Amazona Guildingii.

The project was executed in collaboration with government ministries and departments and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.

National Co-ordinator for the UNDP GEF Small Grant Programme, Tasheka Haynes-Bobb who also spoke at Thursday’s opening ceremony urged users of the River 14 Recreational Park not to leave garbage at the site; .

“Just leave happy memories,” she implored.

She said the main aim of the project is to protect the naturalness of the area.

The facility offers comfortable rest rooms and other amenities.

The UNDP Representative said: “This initiative is aimed to improve conservation and sustainable use of threatened ecosystems and species.”

She further explained that while work was being done on the project, farmers in the area were educated about more ecologically friendly farming. And, president of the credit union, Cecelia Williams said GECCU is proud to deliver an elegant recreational space. She noted that the credit union has invested more than EC$1.3 million in the project which is for “the enjoyment of all our people in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

She promised that visitors to River 14 will experience “nature at its best.”

During Thursday’s opening ceremony, students from the South Rivers Methodist School performed some cultural pieces.

About half a mile upstream from the Park is Vinlec’s hydro generating plant.

Further up the trail is the Wilbefree Waterfall.

The new facility has five octagon shaped gazebos, each outfitted with fire pits and electricity.

Each gazebo is named after a flowering plant.

There is: ‘Jump up and Kiss me’, ‘Baisam’, ‘Lantana’, ‘Periwinkle’ and ‘Ixora’.

The respective flowers will be grown around each named gazebo.

Rest room facilities are designed not only for the able-bodied but also for persons who are physically challenged.

The River 14 Recreational Park also includes a pavilion, a parking lot, a kitchenette and a storage room. The administrative centre, which is a refurbished farmers’ pack house is also on the property.

The facility provides a rejuvenating atmosphere for all, especially for those who love to be at one with nature.