The Hon. Minister for Sports, Youth Culture and Constituency Empowerment , Justina Charles, says she is in full support of the 2015/2016 National Budget plans described for her Ministry.
Hon. Charles believes that the funds allocated to her Ministry, especially sports, are well deserved since sports play a significant role in the development of the nation’s citizens.
Minister Charles said, “We recognize in sports quite a bit of money was allocated towards sports development. We as a Government recognize the importance of sports in the development of the country and transforming the lives of our people in terms of tourism development and economic development.
She added, “That is why we can appreciate the amount of money that is going to be spent next year.”
She described some of the upcoming projects as it relates to sports development saying, “We will see movement when 24 playing fields will be lit. That is to promote more evening and night activities because we are aware that some of our people are engaged during the day and find very little time to participate in physical activity.”
“In the financial year, we will look at continuing work on the Indoor Sporting Facility. We have started some preparations but we’ll work feverishly on that to see full implementation,” she added.
The Hon. Sports Minister revealed that the draft design for the sports facility in Stockfarm has already been submitted to the proposed developer.
The Ministry of Sports has since written to the funding partners and is awaiting response.
Minister Charles reports that playing fields across the island will get some attention.
She also commented on the development plans for the proposed Roseau Sports Facility.
“We will see work commence on the Roseau Sports Facility at a cost of almost $3m. We recognize that we must do it in phases because we must do the retaining wall before we begin to excavate and level. We also want to do proper drainage compatible with the work at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. It’s a lot of work; we must include the multi-purpose hard court, seats and washrooms.
According to the National Budget address, a major project to light playing fields around the island will be undertaken.
Twenty playing fields will be lit for the first time, while the lighting at four others will be improved. In keeping with Government’s policy to encourage the use of renewable energy, the new lighting systems, will utilise solar energy and LED bulbs.