Dear Editor,
Allow me to communicate my views to the Minister of ECYS [Education, Culture, Youth and Sports – Ed.] Wycliffe Smith, with the optimism that he will redeploy his strategies towards the running of this very important ministry.
Minister Smith, sometimes one loses focus when he or she tries to achieve too much at the same time, or even when the person concentrates on a direction that delays the handling of some pressing issues.
Instead of focusing or depending on government to finance everything, why don’t you shift your efforts toward engaging the community directly? Besides, would you consider redirecting your 15-per-cent cut in salary towards projects that are visible? And, since MP Claude Peterson is a colleague of the same party, how about pooling both charitable resources to improve these specific initiatives?
For example: Great Bay Sports Auditorium is home to several sporting activities. In fact, it has become a multipurpose facility that accommodates drama, concerts, annual religious programs and musicals, organised by the Catholic and public schools respectively. To give it more prominence and appreciation, why not upgrade it, to reflect your dedication towards this sector of the ministry?
If the auditorium is upgraded and properly maintained, other groups within the community will utilize it, and the cost of activities can generate more income towards the upkeep of the building. Step out of your comfort zone and deliver something to remind us that the ministry still exists. When a minister’s decision is indorsed by the people, it does not take much to mobilize the community.
I was expecting that painting the building would have been on the agenda as a DOET assignment, but it’s never too late. All it takes is vision and effective leadership to bring the community together to assist. While on the path of reconstruction, with the aim to stimulate youth involvement, how about initiating a platform where youngsters can be selected from a pool of commentators, to officiate the games that they are familiar with?
Also, the auditorium has been in existence since the 1980s and many persons still have difficulty finding it. Erect two medium-sized, lighted signboards on each side of the building, to indicate such. In addition, the billboards can be used exclusively to showcase our prominent athletes, and as an advertising tool for upcoming sporting events. Only if an impending event is slated for the venue, then that will be promoted.
The concept can be transferred to other sporting facilities like John Cooper/Jose Lake Sr. Ball Park – baseball and softball; Raoul Illidge Sports Complex – track and field and soccer; Little League – softball and baseball. Besides, place one at Philipsburg Cultural Center, so that tourists can experience another aspect of the culture. Visiting playwriters would be enticed to seek more of this cultural feature.
The billboard will also showcase the musical talents of the drum band directed by energetic and artistic Youmay Dormoy. This exposure widens the opportunity for the group to receive sponsorship from generous visitors. Our adorable singer, Laverne Henry-Hodge, is a living recipient of the kind gesture from visitors, when her melodious voice captured their attention at Philipsburg Methodist Church.
Minister Smith, the challenges within your ministry can be lessened when they are tackled from a different perspective. A community is always ready to support its government when its government is willing to support its community. It is time to rearrange your focus, in order to reclaim the people’s trust.
Joslyn Morton
