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| "We need to have our people exercise more on a regular basis,” said Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 14, 2007): Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas has called for nationals to exercise more and lead positive healthy lifestyles.
The Prime Minster made the call during a brief ceremony on Monday where Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a cheque for the construction of the Bird Rock athletic facility. Prime Minister Douglas said the inclusion of an exercise track was strategically planned.
“We need to have our people exercise more on a regular basis,” said the Prime Minister. “Apart from eating well, they must exercise, and so for the first time in this country we are going to provide a proper exercise track,” he explained, noting that persons who walk in popular areas such as Frigate Bay face challenges with vehicular traffic.
The new facility will eliminate that and other associated dangers. ~~Adz:Right~~
“This (will) provide another very important service for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis as the government continues to develop its policy towards healthy living habits,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Prime Minister Douglas, who is the lead Minister responsible for HIV/AIDS and other health related matters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), noted that non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiac related illnesses are serious threats to Caribbean people, and persons must be vigilant and take better care of themselves.
The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to apologize to community residents for the inconvenience in the use of the basketball court at Bird Rock. The court had to be relocated a short distance away due to the June start of construction but the Prime Minister happily reported that the new court is completed.
The Bird Rock athletic facility will feature a "Class 2" 400-meter synthetic athletic track and a 200-meter warm up track.
