Paradise playground rehabilitated

DPI, Guyana, Friday, February 16, 2018

Youths in the Belladrum District are soon to benefit from improved recreation facilities following the rehabilitation of the Paradise playground. This venture is being facilitated by the Profit – Rising Sun National Democratic Council (NDC), on the West Coast of Berbice.

In 2017, the community received a grant for the rehabilitation of the playground facilities in Paradise, through a Social Cohesion initiative.

According to NDC Chairman, Emile Wilson, the Paradise playground which has served as the venue for a number of sporting activities throughout the years, was in need of urgent repair.

Wilson said approximately $8M was spent on erecting a fence around the ground and this is being considered as the first phase of rehabilitation of the facility. The next stage will see the sanitary facilities being repaired, and bleachers erected to seat spectators.

Plans are also in place for the upgrading and remodelling of the playing surface to bring it up to an acceptable standard which will allow for efficient drainage of the playfield.

Wilson pointed out that the playground has been home to several different teams including cricket, soccer, basketball, as well as volleyball. He opined that the improvement of the facilities will engender better standards in the various sport disciplines. The NDC Chairman said the long-term goal is to field a dominant team that will represent the West Berbice area further afield.

There are plans to secure the services of relevant coaches so that talent can be spotted and harnessed early thereby helping young people to realize as well as to maximize their potential, rather than to fade away early because of lack of exposure.

Wilson also noted that the much-improved facilities, along with the fielding of various sports teams, can go a far way in preventing community youths from being ensnared by negative influences. The NDC Chairman noted that more programmes will be created to attract more young people, and provide them with the exposure which will keep them motivated.

The Committee responsible for overseeing the upgrades are optimistic that the agencies approached for funding will be willing to assist with the completion of the project and other community projects highlighted.

 

By: Bertie Peters

 

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