James pleads with users of playing fields

The National Sports Council is calling for cooperation from persons using the playing facilities under its jurisdiction.

That was the plea from Chairman of the Council Carlton “Teddy” James at a press conference last Tuesday at the spanking administrative building at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.{{more}}

James pinned the inevitable closing of some fields on the fact that the council’s resources are being stretched to the limit as there are greater demands for use of its facilities.

James singled out the Richmond Hill Playing Field as a case in point, which over time, requires closure for restorative work.

Stating that there is “No gain without pain”, he asked for the public’s understanding.

James observed that while some facilities are closed, persons still flaunt the prohibition.

He admitted, “We have no legal teeth to physically get people off the facility.”

Manager of the Council Osbourne Browne, who was also present at last Tuesday’s update, stressed the need for persons especially in Kingstown to change their pattern of thinking and make use of other facilities outside of that locale.

The limited availability of the Arnos Vale and Sion Hill fields for the past fifteen months and the greater control of the Victoria Park have limited the options in Kingstown, but Browne advised that the Green Hill field is one such alternative.

Browne, who is also the council’s representative on the Local Organising Committee (LOC), under whose control the Stubbs, Arnos Vale and Sion Hill fields lie for the time being, gave a glimmer of hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. “We will earnestly lobby the LOC for such use”, Browne promised.

Describing the current arrangements between the NSC and the LOC as “A funny sort of marriage”, Browne disclosed that the NSC is only responsible for the cricket pitches of the three newly upgraded venues, with the LOC in charge of the other facilities therein.

In further explaining the nature of the “marriage”, the NSC’s manager revealed that the LOC had requested the engagement of some of the council’s staff members, who will then form the core of the personnel needed to maintain the grounds when they are back in control of the NSC.

Browne reiterated the council’s position in providing equal access to all sports on all of its fields, but pointed to the Arnos Vale Playing as the only field that has been designated a cricket facility, but with Football and Athletics as other sports the facility was fashioned to accommodate.

The NSC boss said, “The council is not biased to any sport”.

The NSC currently holds mandate over fifty-six playing fields and fifty-six hard courts across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Again Browne called for patience as more facilities are in the making. “The council is currently involved in a development plan under the Alba Caribe Initiative and with the Social Investment Fund (SIF) to upgrade and develop nine facilities including two new playing fields in the state”, he revealed.

Browne reminded stakeholders of the protocol and requirements to be met when national associations request the use of its facilities.

He stressed the need to make their requests known in writing to the council at least ten days before the date required.

Last Tuesday’s press briefing was also called to apprise national associations on the status of the NSC but only three associations turned up.

Those associations represented were Swimming, Cricket and Rugby. (RT)