Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 13, 2006): The Department of Sports in collaboration with the Electricity Department is
~~Adz:Left~~introducing a new system to promote responsible use of sporting facilities and eliminate electricity wastage.
Director of Sport Leroy Greene told SKNIS that his department is currently installing token meters at various playing fields and hard courts to curb the practice of having the special halogen bulbs " which consume excessive amounts of electricity " left on after play.
"For some time now the hard courts have been misused and in some cases abused," Greene explained, adding that appeals to sporting clubs and individuals have largely been ignored. This made it necessary to introduce the token meters to conserve electricity.
The meters were purchased by the Electricity Department. They are activated by tokens which last up to three hours. Meters have been installed at the facilities at Molineaux, Lodge and Dorset. Installation will continue until all of the sporting facilities are equipped with these energy saving devices.
Mr. Greene stressed that this system has a proven track record and also benefits sporting associations.
~~Adz:Right~~"I am told by my people in the Windward (Islands) and other countries where they use token meters that it has indeed forced many of the clubs and the associations to be more responsible," he stated. "They know that they have the facility for three hours (the average time per token) so they (all attendees) get there on time, before the meters have started and they are there for the duration of the meeting. This is a good thing and forces the club to be more organized."
Tokens are available at the Department of Sport for persons or clubs wishing to use the facilities at night. Director Greene said that a minimal fee of $10.00 will be instituted at the start of next year to assist with the maintenance of the 28 sporting facilities in St. Kitts as well as to encourage clubs to be more responsible.
