The Ciceron Playing Field has entered a new era with the addition of much-needed lights to illuminate nighttime activities at the venue. The sports arena, in the home community of Saint Lucian sprint queen and sports icon Julien Alfred, is more than just a venue for football games. It is also a nexus for community development and social structure.
The lighting is part of a broader initiative by Government to redevelop sporting facilities on the island. During the National Sports Awards ceremony in February, Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casmir revealed the administration’s intention to enhance “nearly 20 playing fields and courts across the island,” announcing an $80 million infrastructure programme set to transform venues islandwide.
Parliamentary representative for Castries South, Dr Ernest Hilaire, took to his social media accounts following the lighting of the field to give insight into what this addition means to the people of the community.
“It was a pleasure to see so many people attend the re-opening of the Ciceron Playing Field. It shows that this project is truly a community effort; driven by communal love and respect, with a vehement passion for sporting elements and excellence,” Hilaire said.
“And while it’s true that we, the Constituency Group, had a vision to see the project completed, it was the sportsmen and women of the constituency who led the way. So, I am content with their ability to keep the gutters clean and walls painted, while we continue to provide facilities for sports and recreation to the deserving residents of Castries South.”
