Improved infrastructure first then stadium- EE/LL residents
This was among other concerns raised in the community meeting facilitated by Representatives for the Seventh and Eighth Districts, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering and Honourable Marlon A. Penn. The meeting was held in the East End/ Long Look (EE/LL) Community Centre last evening October 30, 2013.
The project, which is more the baby of Hon. Penn with the backing of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D Orlando Smith who was also present at the meeting, will be done through a partnership arrangement among the BVIOC, BVIFA, EE/LL District Council with funding from the internationally renowned FIFA.
Premier Smith underscored the benefits to be derived from a tourism perspective with special eyes on sports tourism. “I support the proposal because of the economic and social benefits,” said Premier Smith.
“With this particular project, how would it be integrated with some of the other needs of the community as far as the infrastructure is concerned?” Questioned one member of the audience who further went on to say, “Once this project is built can we expect a programme, say a five year programme after this programme is built where we can see some improvement in our roads, maybe some sidewalks in some other areas of the community that is outside the actual project area,” said the concerned resident.
He said that it is only with those considerations in place would he be willing to support the project. Other raise concerns included the existing sewage issues, flooding, placement of Festival activities, noise nuisance, IAAF certification, the availability of the facilities for community usage, routing of bypass road, swimming pool facilities and parking among others.
Issues of concern
Issues surrounding troubled youths and those involved in criminal activities were also features called to be addressed by residents of the EE/LL communities.
While the project is earmarked for the ‘Stephens land’ it was suggested a resident that the facility be built at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Hon. Pickering noted that several options were explored but the one chosen was the most suited given the surrounding circumstances especially as it relates to the conditions of financing by the stakeholders.
According to Hon Penn, the construction of the stadium is part of a plan to develop the community beyond the social aspects as it encompasses economic and socio-economic development. He said he is convinced that the project has the potential to bring massive development to the community, having been on the tables of governments for over 10 years.
“FIFA has been trying for some time to literally give away money and we have been refusing but I think we have a proper plan right now to move forward to stimulate the local economy as well as an ongoing economic stimulant for our community,” said Hon. Penn.
The project will be executed with the partnership of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), which would facilitate the putting into place of a number of sporting programmes. “The BVI Olympic Committee has a programme that they are trying to push called ‘sports for all’ so we are hopeful that we could get that programme up and running within our community to address a lot of the social concerns that were raised earlier by Ms Potter,” noted Hon. Penn.
Components & four stages
Hon. Penn discussed the scope of the proposed stadium and highlighted the components; those being a 400 meter track and field, international standard football stadium, a net ball court and parking/entertainment areas.
Residents were told of the four stages of the project for which the first was last night’s community consultation meeting. “Another element of phase one is the preliminary agreement, development of the field and related facilities, planning permission from the planning authorities, relocation of the festival grounds and the national sewerage project,” said Hon. Penn.
The second phase would include the leveling of the field and excavation of parking lot areas. Phase three would see the covering of the ghuts and fencing while phase four would include putting in place toilet, changing room and spectators facilities, net and volley ball courts, installation of the running track and the construction of an access road.
The spectators’ stands will cater to accommodate up to 1000 persons.
Public Private Partnership
Hon. Pickering highlighted the importance of public/private partnership which he said is the way of the future. “Government simply cannot do everything and in the most parts Governments’ responsibility stops at a certain place. The community themselves and its environment in the wider aspect of development is critical for our survival and our improvement,” he noted.
He said the commitment of the EE/LL communities and the government of the day to build the recreational facilities for the improvement of the communities is also an investment into the youth of the country.
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17 Responses to “Improved infrastructure first then stadium- EE/LL residents”
This is the problem with this government, the same set of people getting the money. I guess ADC/St..tt getting the contract. Not another vote of mine. Everybody got to eat man!
A 1000 seats and they are talking about "sports tourism" is this a joke?
If FIFA is involved, that facility will be under tight security. What will happen when dem Long Look boys want to use the facility? The Greenland field has already been vandalized what will make this be any different?
I agree with many others. Take care of the infrastructure first, pay down the national debt to a reasonable level, and THEN consider taking so calledf "free" money. I mean really, in another source today, I read that the Government is looking for donations to complete our $100 million dollar plus hospital! There is NO MONEY to throw at this thing. Be responsible!