Bring it on!

Whatever are the causes for the delay of the commissioning of the Cumberland Playing Field, the delay is too protracted.

Are there some issues unknown or are organizers awaiting the right time to make a grand opening with pomp and panache?

Is it that there are still some bureaucratic kinks to be ironed out?

Still and surely, the gloss has worn off the facility, hence the best option is to get its usage formalised over and done with.{{more}}

The construction of that sporting facility in the North Leeward area has been painful to endure, with plans having been conceived as far back as 1999. Several issues, including a change in administration at the national political level, affected the fertilisation process. More travails have visited the project, to the point of almost abandonment.

Abortions and miscarriages, caused by the national elements and by administrative negligence over the years, have resulted in the much needed addition to social life in the area lingering in a long overdue gestation period.

But much has been said in several quarters about the construction of the Cumberland Playing Field. The most common, is its label as a political tool to gain traction from the people of North Leeward.

So when late last year, the facility was finally completed, many eagerly looked forward to its formal opening so that it could be made available to not only to the residents of that community, but to the national good of sports here.

The facility in its virgin state was utilised for a political rally in the run up to the December 9, general elections, yet six months after, it lies untouched for its main intent – sports.

Those responsible for bringing the new sports venue into full public use should not be spared the deserved ridicule, simply for the feet dragging.

In the current state of play, it is ironic that amidst the hue and cry for sporting facilities, a press for their multi –use as well as for acceptable amenities, we possess a facility one where its engagement is stalled by those who know best.

Putting things into perspective, the Cumberland Playing Field is idyllic as it provides a near perfect back drop for the staging of sporting events, as there is that ready – made contrast in aesthetics.

On one side, there is the Cumberland Bay and the other side, resides the hillsides and a sprinkling of houses.

With such, the authorities would have missed an opportunity to announce a new sporting venue in the country, as St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to host the West Indies Cricket Board’s Under-19 Cricket tournament from July 24 to August 20.

This tournament will see teams from Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, the Windwards, the Leewards and the ICC Americas, here for just under one month.

As a prelude to the West Indies tournament, St Vincent and the Grenadines will also host the Windwards Under-19 exercise from June 27 to July 4.

It would not have hurt the cause that if we were serious about sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the necessary red tape would have been cut and the Cumberland venue part of the itinerary.

Unfortunately, we speak of Sports Tourism on one side of our mouths, and then fail to act decisively and put meaning to our utterances.

Additionally, forward and proper planning would have allowed a greater spread of the tournament and relieved some of the pressure that would be placed on the Arnos Vale, Sion Hill and Park Hill facilities.

Also, such fixturing of matches in the rural communities helps to decentralise the hosting agenda, as well as provide residents of these areas to have regional sports come to them, rather that they go and invited.

Again, advanced thinking and planning will reduce some of the expected adverse factors such as cost, personnel as well as equipment logistical draw backs.

And, if not wanting to extend the argument beyond the shores, for the people of North Leeward who over the years have been promised a proper playing field, at least let them get that sense of ownership that they have a facility of some standard within their reach.

So with all that said, let those with the power strings just cut the fluff, and do what is to be done, and bring the Cumberland Playing Field on.