Further discussions for the Linden synthetic track got underway when Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Youth, Sport and Culture, Dr George Norton and Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira met with stakeholders on Sunday. The meeting took place at the proposed site for the soon to be constructed synthetic track, the Bayroc Community Centre Ground at Wismar, Linden, Region 10.
Minister George Norton engage stakeholders at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground
The discussions were held with stakeholders who are also actively involved in the planning and execution phases. It has been proposed that the works to develop the synthetic track should commence within the next two weeks. While it was noted that the project, which was initially expected to be completed by December is clearly behind time.
The Minister stressed that time cannot be wasted. The project is expected be executed in 5 phases. The first phase consists of the design, while in the second phase the contractor will execute the technical work and phases two to five consists of the ground work. However, phases one and two are expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the first phase likely to commence within the next two weeks.
“Phase 1 is when the contract comes and the contractor comes and do the design and so on, Phase 2 is when we start looking at the start of the contract,” Norton explained, as he stressed that time cannot be wasted.
“Before I came up to Linden, when I spoke with those who got the authority, they were speaking about preparation in less than a month, laying down the track in less than 3 weeks. But my big question is, ‘why was it not done before?’” the Minister questioned. Stakeholders who represented various sports disciplines within the community also discussed areas such as the pavilion, drainage and the amount of lanes for the synthetic track.
It was proposed for the track to commence with 2 lanes and further developed into a 4 lane track. Stakeholders are expected to meet for another meeting with the Minister shortly. Meanwhile, Figueira said he was much pleased with the visit of the Minister. He posited that it was timely and most welcoming for it provided the opportunity for residents and stakeholders to get answers to the long anticipated concerns about the much needed synthetic track for the community. The Member of Parliament said he is thankful for the candid, straight forward and honest articulations by the Minister that was void of political rhetoric which found favor with the residents.
The stakeholders who were present were also informed of the present position of where the track is and more over some of the plans to improve youth sports and culture in fostering social cohesion. The residents and representatives of the various sports disciplines have expressed a willingness to work in collaboration with the Minister to improve the state of sports in the community.
“ The Minister has a good vibe and his enthusiastic attitude and humble disposition is intoxicating. We in the region are excited to work with the minister and everyone who wants to see social Cohesion, sports and the holistic development of our community,” Figueira said.
Several issues regarding sports facilities in the community were also discussed and stakeholders were encouraged to submit proposals for the improvement and enhancement of various facilities under the Ground Enhancement Programme. It was further noted that allocations under the programme are presently underutilized by the Region. Technical Officer within the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Natasha Lewis and others also formed part of the consultation.
