Sharpes playing field to be revamped

The Redemption Sharpes community will soon have a revamped playing field, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of National Mobilisation and Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA Caribe). The project will be funded by the Venezuelan Government to the tune of EC$246,145.21.{{more}}

The Ministry of National Mobilisation and contract awardees signed contract documents on Friday, 19th June, 2009, at the office of Honourable Mike Browne. The contract for the Sharpes Playing Field development was awarded to Cauldric Fraser of Fraser Construction Ltd; project Architect/Contract Administrator is Eric Lewis Associates Inc.

According to Rosita Snagg, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, the project has several components: upgrading pavement, drain restoration, walk way construction, fencing and retaining walls, and later re-grassing of playing field which will be awarded to another contractor.

Snagg said that the ministry invited the Sharpes Educational, Sports and Culture Organization (SESCO) to be a part of the project because they believe community participation is integral in any project. Snagg advised Fraser to hire small contractors in the community where possible, so that young people can feel a sense of ownership in the project.

Fraser expressed his gratitude to ministry officials for awarding the contract to his company. He said he is originally from Sharpes and would do his best to ensure a successful project. He also expressed his willingness to work along with persons from the community on the project.

Clinton John, Public Relations Officer of SESCO, said that the development of the Sharpes playing field is important and vital in fostering togetherness in the community which has been threatened by violence. According to him, Sharpes is known for football and the upgraded playing field will rekindle love and cooperation in the community.

Minister of National Mobilisation, Honourable Mike Browne, stated that Cabinet is spearheading several projects with the assistance of Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA). According to him, ALBA has particular emphasis on poverty and disadvantaged sections in Latin and Central America and the Caribbean.

Minister Browne said that ALBA focuses on the inclusion of people and community, and funds social and economic programmes. The following initiatives are funded by ALBA: Girl Guides building expansion; Community Youth Education Programme; Kingstown Steel Band Improvement Programme; Children against Poverty; Kingstown Literary and Parenting Skills Programme; and potable water supply to approximately 900 households, of which approximately 1400 persons had applied.

Browne said that it would be a challenge for his ministry to complete the field successfully and appealed to community members to support the project. He noted that upon completion there would be controlled use of the playing field and that maintenance is critical to the success of the project.