Searchlight Logo
special_image

    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
Paying the price for procrastination
On Target
February 5, 2021

Paying the price for procrastination

IT SHOULD NOT have taken the exposure of some of the happenings of wanton disregard by persons for the real use of the Diamond Track Facility, for government authorities to frantically put things in place, as it regards securing the venue.

This should be a matter of course, as once such an investment was made it must be buttressed by proper administrative structures.

But history will document, this was not the case.

Therefore, with no operational mechanisms instituted, persons chose to do as they like at the facility.

Thankfully, some concerned citizens knowing the value of facility, took it upon themselves to expose the unwanted acts.

One of the first videos that made the rounds, was that of some men using a hose to fill the steeplechase pit and have a good bath in the name of frolicking.

Unfortunately, when that video was made public on some social media platforms in early January of this year, nothing was done.

Added, the men were able to carry out this act almost two months following the official opening of the facility on November 4.

Just earlier this week, other videos surfaced, one with some youngsters having a game of football on the synthetic track and another showing a young boy taking dirt and throwing it on to the track.

These latest exposed images sought to prick the conscience of the authorities to move swiftly to correct their wrongs.

But what was made public may just tell some of the many possible stories of the permitted abuse of the facility.

What unfolded in the various video clips does not speak well for us a nation which has invested over EC$4 million in providing St Vincent and the Grenadines with a much needed sporting asset.

One cannot envisage the government, boasting of its expenditure on the facility; the fanfare and the political currency gained from the project, yet leave a major investment simply to evolve.

It must be egg in the faces for those who have the reins of policy in their hands, but have failed to apply commonsense and basic administrative acumen.

No one had to come out of space and dictate to those in authority that a management committee, plus security measures should have been in place, once the project was coming to the point of completion.

Were they expecting persons to gladly apply moral suasion, love for country and commonsense in the treatment of that sporting facility?

Yes, of course, a larger percentage of the population would, but it is that slender minority which can wreak havoc.

At this juncture, with the security aspect under control, this is one part of the unfinished task that has been ticked off.

Next must be the installation of a properly constituted management committee.

We are well aware that the sitting government would want to go the way of appointing party supporters to fill this committee.

However, the Diamond Track Facility, for all it’s worth, needs well trained persons to oversee its administration.

We have seen too much where politicians err by using party preferences rather than those who are best equipped with the expertise and get the desired results, that of efficiency.

That dangerous road cannot be the path to follow in a time when financial resources are at a premium.

Building the Diamond Track Facility, along with a football field, from our own coffers shall be treasured for its sporting value, and not an accomplishment.

So as we accept that to err is human and to forgive is divine, let us not see a repeat nationally of what has happened with that sporting facility at Diamond.

  • FacebookComments
  • ALSO IN THE NEWS
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Front Page
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    FAMILY MEMBERS of a woman who was killed at Long Wall say they suspect their relative was hacked by a person they all know very well. On Tuesday, Sept...
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Front Page
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE IDEA THAT HOUSING is a right, that every Vincentian has a right to safe and secure housing, and that the government has a role to play in ensuring...
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Front Page
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A POLICE OFFICER, who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend 26 times about her body was remanded even as his lawyer argued that the Royal St Vincent and...
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Front Page
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A NEW UNITY LABOUR PARTY ADMINISTRATION will be rolling out an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to embrace its positives and guard against the nega...
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Front Page
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 9,2025 was a memorable day for the staff and students of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, which was marking its 20th anniversary wi...
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    News
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    NON- NATIONALS ARE being hired to fill several jobs in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) simply because locals did not have the required skill sets....
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    News
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Montgomery Daniel has sought to clear around rumours that have been circulating relating to his health. Speaking on NBC radio on...
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    News
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    The GOVERNMENT of St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to sign agreements for tourism investment of $1.3 billion on mainland St.Vincent. On Monday, Se...
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    From the Courts, News
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A BARROUALLIE MAN will be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to being in illegal possession of a firearm and eight rounds of ammunition. Demron...

    E-EDITION
    ePaper
    google_play
    app_store
    Subscribe Now
    • Interactive Media Ltd. • P.O. Box 152 • Kingstown • St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Phone: 784-456-1558 © Copyright Interactive Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok