Chilli playing field re-opens

14.MAY.10

Sunday, May 8, 2010, marked a milestone in the development of Sports and Recreation in the Georgetown Community with the re-opening of the Chilli Playing Field.{{more}}

The Chilli Playing Field re-development project was funded by the European Union and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at a cost of approximately $232,000. It is also a Social Investment Project (SIF) developed and implemented in partnership with Georgetown Sports Association.

Chairman of the National Sports Council, Carlton James, said that the facility is a testimony of the Government’s commitment to Sports. He noted also that it is a turning point in the history of the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He is concerned about squatting around playing fields and urged persons to desist from doing so. He said the facility must be carefully managed and adequately maintained to avoid inconvenience to users. James urged persons to use the facility responsibly to develop their athletic skills. He noted that no one sporting discipline will be given preference in use the facility. James also pointed out that washrooms and pavilions will be constructed at the facility when the second phase of the project continues in the near future.

Prime Minister and area Representative for North Central Windward, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said the facility is fit to play on. However, more work will be done in the near future. He said when the hospital is finished, proper fencing will be put in place. The PM noted that North Central Windward has been unfortunate, losing two playing fields over the years. He said they must be developed in a manner where you can interchange. He noted that the playing field at Black Point is a good one, with excellent sea defences.

Dr. Gonsalves noted that an excellent sporting facility is being developed at Colonaire and noted that the flow of the river is being diverted to widen the playing field at South Rivers. He said the Playing Field in Park Hill that is being developed is the largest in the country, apart from the one in Arnos Vale. Dr. Gonsalves said they are seeking to get an additional sporting facility in the area. He further stated that they are hoping to develop an in-door basketball Gym to ensure that sportsmen and women are physically fit to participate in sporting activities.

The Prime Minister said that in 2007, the government spent approximately $50million to accommodate the World Cup. He pointed out that revenues fell over the years and that is why construction on the proposed National Stadium has been delayed. The PM, however, noted that the designs are in place. The Area Representative urged persons to take care of the facility because if it is damaged it will be too costly to repair.(API)