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| Minister of Physical Planning and Area Representative for the St Pauls Constituency Hon Michael Perkins meet with workmen at the most recent acquisition for the new Ramsbury Playfield. |
CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 27, 2006) ---It was part of my vision and now it has become a reality," said Minister of Physical Planning and also Area Representative for the Paul's" Constituency Hon Michael Perkins, when he made a site visit on Monday to the Ramsbury Playfield, still under construction.
"To be honest it is the one thing, in my opinion, that seems to bring so many people together. Quite a lot of the residents around have called and approached me to express their appreciation for us [Nevis government] being able to provide this& you can feel the enthusiasm and the excitement about what people perceive to be the opportunity that has been provided and so it is really, really a good feeling for me," he told the Government Information Service in an interview.
In addition to the 3 ½ acres of land acquired by the Nevis Island Administration for the construction of a playing field and the erection of a basketball hard court, Mr Perkins announced that the Administration had gone a step further, earlier this month and purchased a building located on the north western corner of the field, which he said would be better utilised as part of the overall facility once it was remodelled and its surroundings landscaped.
"The plan is that this building would be a community building for use by all and sundry in the community, the sports clubs the school if needs be. With the acquisition of this building, it really opens up vast opportunities for the persons who would use it," he said.
In addition to the latest acquisition for the overall development plan of the area, the Administration plans to construct at least 14 affordable homes on the southern side of Craddock Road on an additional seven acres of land and also land has been allocated for a children's play park. At the far end of the property there are plans for the construction of a community centre.
According to Mr Perkins, other aspects of the Ramsbury development include the completion of the main cricket pitch on the new play field, which is being constructed under the guidance of Mr Denzil Tuckett, Grove Park's Caretaker and also night lighting for the playfield.
We intend to begin the fencing of the grounds very shortly and what persons are really looking forward to, is the actual lighting of this play field.
"I am happy to advise that the order has been made. The lights are being assembled overseas right now and within the next couple of weeks we [NIA] hope to have the lights arrive on island. The actual installation of these lights, are not only for this new playing field but also for a number of playing fields throughout the island. As a matter of fact, we have identified at least six playing fields throughout Nevis on which we would have high quality lighting," the Minister explained.
Mr Perkins said that the Administration had invested millions of dollars in the development of the area over the last four years and would continue to do so for the benefit of the entire community.
Now we have in excess of 10 acres of land which is available for use by all and sundry -the school, the residents, clubs and even the churches - anyone who wishes to use the facilities are free to do so.
"We have since put together the Tuberose Sports and Community Club so that we have proper management and will seek to channel all the managing of the facilities through that Club to ensure good management," he said adding that although work still in progress at the facility, the Club had already organised successful activities that has drawn large crowds including residents from the community.
