Speaking at the latest pre-cabinet press briefing, Minister Casimir highlighted the recent transformation of several major sporting venues, including Gros Islet Playing Field and the Marchand Grounds.
“In Gros Islet, we know Daren Sammy is an international ground, we’ve developed Gros Islet to a standard that very soon, anybody who wants to have an entertainment activity can use the Gros Islet Playing Field as an option. So everybody does not have to go to Daren Sammy,” he said.
He emphasised the added value of having multiple venues available, ensuring that sporting activities are not displaced by other events. “If there's an entertainment activity, you have Gros Islet as an option. Right next to it, the Marchand Grounds brand new facility again in terms of the seating, the roofing. We've raised the roof so the vandals don't hit it.”
Minister Casimir further noted that additional facilities such as the Saab Playing Field and the La Clery Playing Field have also been upgraded, allowing for greater flexibility in managing events without compromising athletes’ access to training and competition spaces.
While showcasing the government's investment in sporting infrastructure, Casimir made a heartfelt appeal to the public, particularly event organizers and users of these facilities.
“I have to appeal to those who come to use what we can describe as our sacred grounds don’t misuse it. And if you use it, put it back the way you found it. That’s all sportsmen and women in Saint Lucia have been begging for over all those years. They matter.”
He also pointed to the growing global attention on Saint Lucia due to recent sporting successes. “Julien Alfred has shown us what sports can do for this country. Now everybody wants to come to Saint Lucia. Think Michael Jordan came here by accident? Or the MMA fighter? Or the President of Nigeria? It’s because of the power of sports and what I know it can do for this country.”
Minister Casimir concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to developing sports and treating athletes and their facilities with the respect they deserve.