The Renaming of Serenity Park

WHOEVER came up with the idea that Serenity Park is in need of a name change, or that the name needs expanding, must be commended because as it stands the park does not reflect anything Saint Lucian.

Giving the park a Saint Lucian identity, such as being named after a Saint Lucian who has done exceptionally well in his or her respective field is, in my humble view, the way to go.

But naming the park after a Saint Lucian does not mean that the word “serenity” should be removed. The park has poise, calmness and a level of quietness that goes with its current name and that I believe should not be lost in the name change currently being proposed.

The new proposal is to name the park after the late Sir William George Mallet, a name well known in the politics of Saint Lucia. I have no problem with Sir William getting his honours, after all, he held a number of high offices in Saint Lucia, including that of Governor General, Deputy Prime Minister and served the people of Central Castries unfailingly to the point where he never lost that seat during his political career. With Serenity Park located within the Central Castries district it seems appropriate to many that the park should be named after him. And that’s where I differ.

Notwithstanding Sir William’s outstanding contribution to the country, politically and otherwise, to name Serenity Park after him just does not sit right, at least with me. He should be given the same high honour as Sir John Compton, and I need not state the honour this country has given to Sir John, it is well known.

Serenity Park should be named, in my humble view after a sporting figure which has shown a high level of consistency over the years, who has shown a capability to beat the odds, who has shown a quiet disposition yet fierce loyalty to country, who has remained humble throughout his/her sterling contribution in his/her field of endeavour, who has shown a love for community and people of the community, who has performed and continue to perform at the highest level in his or her sport and who wears serenity like a cloak.

Such an athlete is not hard to find, and on reflection aptly fits the renaming of the park. I am suggesting that Serenity Park be renamed Levern Spencer Serenity Park.