Sports Minister Hails $2 Million Upgrades to Monchy Playing Field

With an added zest to maximize the skills of seasoned and upcoming athletes, the government is committed to providing top-quality sporting and recreational facilities within communities across the island.

In this pursuit, the Sports Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Gros Islet, Kenson Casimir, strongly endorses the installation of modern lights at the refurbished Monchy playing field.

Recently, the community of Monchy, located in the quarter of Gros Islet, marked a significant milestone as Minister Casimir officially switched on the new lighting system at the playing field.

A large crowd of residents and visitors gathered to witness the momentous event, which featured welcoming remarks from students of Monchy Primary School and a captivating performance by the Monchy After School Band.

Several officials attended the function, including Deputy Permanent Secretary Rohan Lubon, Sports Director Clivus Jules, Sports Officer for Gros Islet David Moise, Principal of Monchy R.C. Primary School Troy Nestor, and Master of Ceremonies Zachary Hippolyte, who expertly guided the evening’s proceedings.

“Do not simply be blinded by the lights; recognize the broader vision. Proper lighting creates safer environments, flexible training schedules, enhanced community engagement, and essential opportunities for youth to cultivate discipline and talent,” Lubon emphasized.

Minister Casimir expressed his satisfaction with this initiative, stating, “Good things come to those who wait. As Minister, I was determined to bring lights to Monchy despite challenges in other parts of the constituency.”

He pointed out the ongoing grassroots program in Corinth and the established club in Grande Riviere, both struggling without fields or lights. “We have solar lights in Corinth and LED lights in Grande Riviere, but we saved the best for last. Monchy now boasts the most advanced lighting system available anywhere in the world,” Casimir declared.

He further asserted, “Monchy is the only community playing field in the entire OECS equipped with blinker capability. The lights offer three levels: training mode, medium mode, and professional mode, reaching 90% of daylight levels.”

This initiative presents an invaluable opportunity for teachers, parents, and community members to collaborate and organize football and cricket programs in Monchy.

Casimir insisted, “This is a $2 million investment, and it must be protected. We cannot allow anyone from outside to vandalize or misuse this facility.”

The Sports Minister also underscored the advantages of the Monchy lighting system being power-generated.

“This means there are no electricity bills. If someone wants to host an activity or fundraiser, all they need to do is purchase diesel, fuel the generator, and use the facility. This is what we have brought to Monchy,” Casimir concluded, emphasizing the importance of this development for the community.