Hon. Richard Skerritt
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports
Port Zante
Basseterre
Dear Sir:
On behalf of residents of Constituency #5, Sandy Point and Fig Tree, your attention is hereby drawn to the attached petition signed by two hundred (200) members of the Community. As stated in the petition, we the petitioners are requesting the electricity supply to the lights on the basketball court at Sandy Point Hard Court be reconnected immediately.
Sometime ago a decision was taken to disconnect the supply of electricity to the lights on the basketball court. Apparently, this action was taken after someone had tampered with the new token system that was installed. It is agreed by persons that the tampering is inappropriate but most users of the facility use it conscientiously. However, it is also felt that an entire community should not be punished and other alternatives must be pursued.
The action taken prevents many young people from practicing and developing their basketball skills. Most of the basketball players are either of school age or of working age. It is therefore quite apparent that they would use the facility primarily in the evening. This therefore makes the lighting of the court extremely critical.
Furthermore, we take the opportunity to remind you that Sandy Point has produced several national basketball players at both the junior and senior level. Some of them have been able to gain scholarships such as Kemo Duncan. This national player is currently at Spoon River College in the United States on a scholarship. Additionally, during the last National Basketball League the Sandy Point Junior team won the Junior Division. Chappurtin, a next team out of Sandy Point, placed second in the "A" Division and has now been promoted to the Premiere Division. Already participating in the Premiere Division is the Fig Tree Dirt Revelers who was the defending champion but placed second last year. You would certainly agree that agree that it is necessary for these teams to continue to practice in the evenings as was customary as this is in their best interest and also the national interest.
It must also be taken in account that crime in the Federation is on the increase. To a large extent the increase is blamed on young persons and the lack of alternative activities for them to positively engage themselves in. The playing of basketball in the evening is one such positive alternative that should not be taken away from the youths. It will only force them to find alternative things to do and illegal activities may become one of the alternatives.
In closing, we once more urge you to have the electricity reconnected immediately as this is indeed in the best interest of all concerned. Should there be a need to discuss this matter a meeting can be arranged at your convenience.
Yours truly,
Shawn K. Richards
Parliamentary Representatives
Constituency #5, Sandy Point and Fig Tree
