By Reginald Andrew
Parliamentary representatives are actively updating the public on infrastructure and other developments in their respective constituencies.
According to Kenson Casimir, the Gros Islet parliamentary representative , the constituency is about to get massive infrastructure changes that will solidify its status as a premier commercial and entertainment destination in the island’s north.
Casimir, the Minister of Youth Development and Sports, stated that projects in his constituency are scheduled to be completed on time.
“We are rigorously monitoring the developments of our facilities and infrastructure, which are progressing steadily,” he stated at a press conference on Monday.
Casimir announced that road construction in Riviere Mitant and Piat is nearing completion, making those places more accessible to both traffic and residents.
Looking ahead to Monchy Jazz, which is now in its second year, Casimir noted, “The social development of our community is paramount as we prepare for Monchy Jazz on May 6th,” a key fixture that has established itself on the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.
He emphasized the inauguration of the “Peanut Butter Pantry” initiative in Gros Islet, which aims to provide breakfast and meals to underprivileged young school pupils. The initiative was established in collaboration with RISE and Dr. Venus Cherry, the humanitarian group’s director.
Casimir revealed that the much anticipated Gros Islet Mini Stadium is “about 90% complete,” with work still underway on the pitch area, outfield, and surrounding wall.
When completed, the facility will be named after a well-known sports figure in the town, and the stands will honour exceptional residents.
The Gros Islet MP is looking forward to the spectacular opening of the Mini Stadium following this year’s jazz festival. He plans to organize events at the venue this summer as it “transitions from an ordinary ground to a Mini Stadium,” which will be operated by Sports Saint Lucia Inc.
Casimir expressed interest in using the venue for community activities and as a feasible option to holding events at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground [DSCG].
“These community venues are ideal for hosting social events. During the carnival season, we will see activities move from the ‘international ground’, the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (DSCG), to our communal ground.”
He stated that a location has already been identified for the construction of a Youth and Entertainment Centre and that financing will allow for the initiative’s groundbreaking, providing more possibilities for social activities.
Casimir emphasized the success done within the constituency during the previous fiscal year, noting accomplishments that have significantly benefited “sports development” in Saint Lucia. He highlighted the ministry’s strategy for sports development, which ranged from grassroots to high-performance levels.
The Cricket High-Performance Centre has generated exceptional results, with 11 players flourishing on regional and international levels, focusing on athletes’ whole development—physically, intellectually, and talent-wise. This is a huge achievement, he stated.
He also acknowledged significant developments in track and field, highlighting sprint phenom Julien Alfred’s Olympic victory, as well as developing young athletes such as Naomi London, who is ranked among the fastest adolescent athletes in the world.
“In this financial year, we have made ssubstantial strides in upgrading and maintaining facilities,” he remarked, citing sites such as the DSCG, Gros Islet Mini Stadium, Wenn, and Canaries playing field, among others, that have been renovated.
Casimir emphasized the creation of grassroots football programmes to develop young talent, led by former national players and professionals Stewart Charles-Fevrier and Earl “Ball Hog” Jean.
In evaluating the year’s progress, the Sports Minister stated, “Sports Development has achieved a balance between the physical enhancement of infrastructure and the social and mental growth of our athletes throughout our programmes.”