Senator Renee Ming has branded proposed cuts to Bermuda’s three community centres as “beyond concerning”.

The Progressive Labour Party senator said that she has been made aware of job cuts across the St George’s Community Centre, The Centre in Pembroke and Sandys Community Centre, by members of the community and said she believed that many of their services will need to be cut as a result.

A Bermuda Government spokesperson said: “The Ministry has made no decision on closing any community centres. The community centres are under review to ascertain the most efficient and effective mode of operation in light of the current hiring freeze that Government is under. The Ministry is assessing all of the human resources at the community centres to ensure that they all remain operational in a safe and effective manner. The Ministry is fully cognisant of the many services that are provided to different segments the society who come to use the facility.”

In a statement, Ms Ming said: “News that the three community centres will likely see job losses and important social outlets for our youth closed is beyond concerning.

“The St George’s Community Centre, known as the Youth Centre to my fellow St Georgians, has been a staple community vessel for many many years. Many of us have happy memories of the Youth Centre from our childhood and today it remains a safe haven for the children of our community.

“Patrons of The St George’s Community Centre range from the very young at heart to our perky seniors.

“Whenever I hear sounds of activity coming from the Community Centre I, like many St Georgians, am comforted knowing that the capable, trustworthy staff are there ensuring that the facility is maintained and safe for all to use. Yesterday, the OBA announced a possible hotel for St George’s. Yet today, we hear that the local Community Centre will see reduced services resulting in several Bermudians losing their jobs.”

Ms Ming questioned what would become of the numerous services to the community whether it be children’s camps and programmes or seniors groups.

She added: “The people of St George’s and Bermuda deserve better. I implore the OBA to think about the community and rethink this decision.”