The Shoot To Score, Not To Kill Program was successfully launched at Cap Maison on Saturday 1st April 2023, with a very impressive Ceremony.
The event which was well thought of and put together, was chaired by Mistress of Ceremony Ms. Cherry Ann Williams. Following the Opening, Mr. Elijah Williams, of Wilcom chronicled the sequence of events leading to the conceptualization of the project which originated following a shooting incident during an SLFA Inc.
Senior Men’s football competition in Desruisseaux, which resulted in one death, and which left patrons fearing for their safety. This coupled with the upsurge of gun violence in the country further fuelled the movement to “Let’s Show A Red Card” to violence and more importantly Say Something.
In his remarks one of the sponsors of the movement President Lyndon Cooper of the SLFA Inc. gave his organisation’s unwavering support for the Programme. He indicated that they are no stranger to social programmes and when approached by Wilcom had no choice but to embrace it as theirs has always been Show A Red Card to violence.
Hence he is encouraging everyone to lend their unwavering support to the initiative and more especially if you see Something Say Something.
Thus on behalf of his executive, leagues and extended football family, the SLFA Inc. fully endorses the programme.
Minister of Youth Development and Sport, Mr. Kenson Casimir, first of all commended Wilcom in conceptualizing such a wonderful initiative, and expressed both his delight and his Ministry’s in positively coming on board.
Coincidentally, the launch coincided with the advent of Youth Month, cognizant of the fact that sports and youth involvement are pivotal to the development of the country.
Thus it was a no brainer for his Ministry coming on board, while at the same time, commending both the SLFA Inc. and the Oliver Gobat Sports (TOGS) for their support and commitment.
Both Chairpersons Dad Theo Gobat and Son Rufus of TOGS spoke glowingly about their involvement, commitment and support to the Programme while reminiscing on the role that their departed Ollie Gobat played in lending support to youth and sports development programs.
For his part Rufus gave an outline of the works being undertaken by TOGS and further solicited the cooperation and assistance of everyone in not only making the Programme a success, but by extension continuing to support the initiatives of Togs.
Former national footballer, renowned football coach and youth development activist, Mr. Alvin Xavier gave an emotional yet uplifting testimony on the negative impact of gun violence in the country noting that for him it has more than touched home.
He welcomed the Programme and beseeched all to come on board in showing a Red Card and more importantly Saying Something.
The night’s proceedings were brought to a crescendo, with Communications Officer of the SLFA Inc. Mr. Michael Pierre spicily saying thank you for a wonderful launch.
SOURCE: Saint Lucia Football Association Inc.
Wow, I was about to drive down the road un shoot a mun that chop me Christmas time, but seeing this, all I want now is to play football with him.
This is good, how about plant to win and plant to live!!! Initiatives….St. Lucia loses 2-4 centimeters of land yearly if not more due to erosion, storms and development!. The island needs to care for country MORE… plant more trees to retain infrastructure on this island. The people,we have thousandsof mangoes goin to waste yearly on the ground, why not start a govt mango dehydration plant to export if these fruits don’t hold well with long term transport! We have tried bananas, coconuts what else cocoa try mango!…….
@105smph … I agree with you in planting more trees to retain infrastructure … BUT … SLU also NEEDS to implement Agro Processing plants/factories/industry to manufacture plant based drinks and foods. This is not rocket science.