St. George's residents can look forward to improvements in their community with over $6 million allotted by Finance Minister Eugene Cox.

Over $5.9 million has been earmarked to build a new rest home in St. George's.

Citing its poor condition, the Secretary Road facility was closed down by Health Minister Nelson Bascome in March 2000.

At the time, Mr. Bascome compared the room sizes to those of office cubicles and called the general conditions "cramped".

In May 2000, the Health Minister said the new facility would accommodate 25 to 30 residents, two of which would live in independent sheltered suites, five in the rest home, and between ten to 15 in the nursing unit.

He also said five people could be based in a skilled nursing unit, which will have round-the-clock attendants.

It is unknown whether the new rest home will be built on the former facility's site or if Government will purchase another piece of property in the parish.

The St. George's Foundation, which works towards preserving the World Heritage Site, will be the recipients of a $100,000 grant, according to this year's budget statement.

"We are very pleased," said the Foundation's executive director Sharon Jacobs. "We certainly appreciate the funding."

Mrs. Jacobs said the funds would go towards several projects which the Foundation is undertaking, such as street improvement which see utility wires placed underground and roads paved with brick stones.

"We are preserving the streets' historical context," she said.

The Foundation is also planning to erect a World Heritage visitor centre which is set to include a theatre and exhibits.

"We are extremely pleased to be hearing the announcement today and look forward to continuing our work," Mrs. Jacobs said.