BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEMBERS of the McKnight community, Prickly Pear Alley in particular, can hardly wait for Sundays to arrive so that they can get together at the Gardens Playfield to compete in friendly rivalry at various sports disciplines, with fun being the primary aim.
Yesterday (Sept. 16), National Heroes Day, was no different to previous Sundays as the young and older folks of that area, including toddlers, fathers, mothers and grandparents, were engaged in a game of softball cricket while basketball and football were being played simultaneously.
SKNVibes was present to witness the strong camaraderie and high degree of social harmony and civility, as the fun-loving gathering competed, shared jokes and a variety of delicacies as well as beverages prepared by the womenfolk.
Even breastfeeding mothers were present at the event with their cooing wide-eyed babies, and most of the infants had gathered on the sideline of the field with bats towering over their heads as they attempted to emulate their seniors.
One of the organisers, Jèneve Mills, explained to this publication what the residents of Prickly Pear Alley want to achieve.
“Recently, the young people of Central Basseterre, Prickly Pear Alley to be exact, recognised that we needed to play a role in bringing back a sense of calm, peace, love, unity and harmony to our area, thus we organised and dedicated each and every Sunday for such.
“We have been coming to the Gardens Playfield where we engage in a few sporting disciplines, all in the name of fun, and it has had a tremendous amount of persons coming out. However, we yearn for more. We need persons in the community and surrounding areas to know what we are doing and to be a part of the activities. We are here at the Gardens Playfield every Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until all games end.”
Mills declared that the aim of the venture is for people to be engaged in meaningful activities that would resuscitate fun amongst members of the McKnight community and “to produce a sense of togetherness that will distract crime and gang violence in the area”.
“Everybody can’t be playing cricket at the same time, so various activities such as basketball, football and dominoes will be played at the same time involving all present in a harmonious manner. However, we need some media attention because not everyone within the community is aware of what we are doing on Sundays,” he added.
The former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador stressed that many residents of McKnight still see the area as a war zone. “But they need to come and see what is going on…it has nothing to do with violence”.
He noted that with the media’s presence, others in the community would know what they are trying to accomplish, and the venture could be enhanced with assistance from the business community.
“We anticipate getting businesses in the community involved; for in these trying times it’s difficult to raise funds much less so without persons having firsthand knowledge of what is being done. Therefore, with the media being here, this is the perfect opportunity for them to be aware of this development which can certainly help where donations from the business community in the area are concerned.”
Another organiser, Lajaune Stanley, said he was pleased with yesterday’s turnout but would like to see, if not all, most of the residents in McKnight make a conscious effort to participate in the activities.
He intimated that people should join them on Sundays and make a comparison between being at the Gardens Playfield to share in the fun and games and going to one of the beaches or taking leisurely drives.
Stanley explained that in addition to the Sunday venture, plans are on the front burner to utilise the community centre for additional activities.
“We are planning to have the use of the community centre to invite notable persons in the Federation as guest speakers on various topics of interest to the young. We are also planning to have elderly persons in McKnight share their experiences with the young, at least one evening every month, so that they (the elderly) would not feel left out while at the same time making a meaningful contribution to moral values in the community.”
He strongly believes that the venture would yield success and stated that invitations to neighbouring communities, such as The Village and Newtown, would be extended in the near future for them to be engaged in friendly rivalry, which “will create a harmonious relationship”.
Like Mills, Stanley is calling on all residents of McKnight to join them and is looking forward to see a packed stand at the Gardens Playfield this and every Sunday.
