Residents of Jacmel, Roseau Valley are seriously concerned over recent construction work at the Jacmel Playing Field. There has been a complete lack of consultation and transparency by the relevant authorities.
Despite being central to sports and youth development in the area, none of the key stakeholders were informed or involved in the decision-making process related to the new court currently being constructed.
The community has been blindsided. We are not against development, but it must be done right, with proper planning and including the people who live here.
The site was previously home to a court that became unusable due to poor land conditions. That court was removed, and a FIFA-standard field was delivered to the community. Now, with a new court being placed in an area used as a warm-up zone, future plans for a full sports facility, including a track and field space or indoor amenities, may be permanently compromised.
We want an immediate stop to all ongoing work, full disclosure of the contractor and project cost, a technical feasibility report to be made public, and inclusive consultations with community leaders and organisations before any further work proceeds.
Roseau Valley is known for its athletic talent and vibrant sports culture. This is about our future. We demand the respect and inclusion our community deserves.
-A Concerned Citizen
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My dear, don’t expect to be told the cost …
Concerned CItizen, who is the stake holder are you referring to? Was there ever a committee to look after the field? Please be more explicit.
Bravo, Bravo!
Oh thy Yellow…..………..always stunned like a deer in the headlights, always concerned over progress .
We once had a court broken-down court before it was completed; there was no consultation with the community, and no one said a word because it was built by Ira Duvergne. In the same way you, the writer asking for accountability for the fire station, this is the 21st century, where everything is computerised. Ask Fedee for the lights for the field. One more thing we want the ambulance money from the UK. Whose idea it was for the bamboo rafting in Roseau, and where did he take the money to construct such? Wasn’t the bamboo rafting the committee’s idea?
Why must the comments be tied back to a political backlash. It’s time we stop missing the point and have things done right. Any project should have Stakeholder Consultation. Anyone who has studied Project Management knows that Stakeholder Consultation is key. I am linked to fball and in the middle of a youth competition we seeing a few guys digging by the field at Vigie, WASCO pipes busting left, right & center, water wasting. Not against the project but Stakeholder Consultation could hv stopped water wasting and mitigation factors be in place for the yutes. There has to be a rush into the competition because come July, carnival taking over. Does it really make sense to put a concrete wall around the Vigie Field? CLosed fball and cricket in the city can be held at Marchand & Mindoo. How beautiful it is to watch yutes on the field on a Saturday while passing on a bus or passing & stop a few minutes to watch organized fball school or league. Anyways.
Btw is the wall being placed for carnival events? May I ask. SMH
It’s unfortunate that some of the comments have taken a political turn. Let’s be clear I don’t think the writer is thinking about politics; this is about people.
Sirleyann Byron Roberts lives in the UK, where she and her children have access to proper sporting facilities. Why shouldn’t the young people of Jacmel have the same?
We are simply saying: if development is happening, let’s do it right. Yes, what was done with the first court years ago was poorly executed. No one is denying that. But that’s exactly why we must ensure that this time, it’s done properly—with community involvement, proper planning, and long-term vision.
Jacmel has become a high-risk area. Just last week, there was a shooting near the field, with many young people on the feild at the time. The youth need safe, structured spaces to thrive not rushed projects that lack foresight. (because elections is coming)
We are not against development. In fact, we welcome it. But if we’re going to do this, let’s do it the right way with a plan that allows for future enhancements like stands, washrooms, and indoor capabilities. This is not just about a court this is about building hope and opportunity for the future of our youth.
Let’s put politics aside and demand what’s right for our community. Jacmel will rise