BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MINISTER with Responsibility for Sports, Hon. Shawn Richards has given the assurance that the long-awaited resurfacing of the tennis courts in Sandy Point would start before the year ends.
Richards gave that assurance at the end of the Independence Lawn Tennis Competition which recently wrapped up at the Warner Park facility.
The competition was the first major one under the new interim committee, which featured three categories – Men’s Doubles, Women’s Singles and Boy’s Juniors.
Minister Richards, who is the Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Five, which includes Sandy Point, has on many occasions complained about the treatment of tennis players in his constituency.
Over the years, the Minister lambaste the previous administration for its neglect of the area, including lashing out at the Labour Party’s caretaker for Constituency Five, Norgen Wilson.
“...before the end of the year, the tennis courts would be ready for usage,” he said.
He disclosed that there was a level of uncertainty in the best material to be used on the surface, noting it is either the synthetic materials or similar surfacing as that in Warner Park.
At the presentation ceremony of the competition, Richards explained that he was approached last year by two tennis players to have the Warner Park courts resurfaced, and that began at the end of 2016.
“I think it was an investment of over $300, 000 in the first instance to bring the courts to what you are seeing this evening.”
Further, Richards stated that some time during the course of this year, they would have added the benches and repairs carried out on the walls.
“However, having made the investment, I am quite happy that this evening and over the last few days there was a tournament being held here at the tennis courts.
“This says to me and also the Ministry that the investment has been one which is worth it. Therefore, going forward, I expect to see many more tournaments being held here at these courts.”
According to the Minister, based on the recommendation of Sir Kennedy Simmons, Agile Courts out of Antigua undertook the resurfacing work on the courts.
