SXMElections.com

MARIGOT--The Sandy Ground basketball court inauguration by President Aline Hanson on Saturday as a highlight of the Sandy Ground Fête celebration has marked a new beginning for the aspirations of the district’s young people.

The 430,000 euro basketball court can double as a volleyball court and soccer pitch while a half court at the rear is for children. The facility has bathrooms, a meeting room, and bleachers under which a storeroom has been created. The court surface is painted in blue, surrounded by a security fence and flood lights have been installed.

Renovation of the court encountered numerous delays and inactivity, sparking frustration amongst the youth of the district and leading notably to the blockade of the main road in Sandy Ground for a few hours on November 17, 2014.

The protest raised several other issues aside from the lack of sports facilities resulting in the formation of a committee to put pressure on the Collectivité and Préfecture to redirect its attention to the plight of the young people.

The committee, comprised of members from various associations was fronted by CGTG union member Cédric Andre, and became a catalyst to speed up the renovation process while it monitored the deadlines and schedules promised by the Collectivité.

Members of that same committee whose slogan on their blue T-shirts read “Help the Youth to Help Yourself” were at the inauguration with elected officials to express their gratitude for the completion of the facility. Speakers included Lucien Gamiette, Jeremy Watt, Martin Hughes and Cédric Andre.

“It’s a very special day for us,” said Watt. “This was a big challenge. Today is the first step for Sandy Ground in creating a positive image. We were always number one and we will continue to be number one. Let’s stick together and fight for a better Sandy Ground.”

President of the Sandy Ground Ball Stars Martin Hughes thanked the Collectivité and called on the people “to respect each other, work together, and love each other.”

“No one is perfect, but what we do expect is understanding and cooperation,” he said before stating the rules of the court; no arms on the court, no guns, no knives. We are emphasising on discipline, respect and friendship.”

Cédric Andre said the union was there to help the young people in their quest for satisfaction.

“Without the youth there is no future,” he reminded. “We need to stick together and stay focused.”

Andre read out a list of names to thank for bringing the renovated court to fruition. It included the President of the Collectivité Aline Hanson, former Préfet Philippe Chopin, DGS Philippe Millon, Territorial Councillor in charge of sports Alain Gros-Desormeaux, Collectivité’s Technical Services, Priscilla Bade, Henri Charles Palvair, Thierry Gombs, and others for their support.

He added Club Orient Resort was also a sponsor that contributed to the cause.

“When businesses see that a sports facility has been opened they are happy to contribute because it helps reduce delinquency.”

Alain Gros-Desormeaux in his remarks noted the basketball court had been marked as a priority at the time of the 2012 election.

“I ask those associations and clubs in charge of the young people to treat this new court with care and respect. It has been constructed for you with funding from the State and Collectivité. Thank you for your patience, it was not easy.”

Hanson and Préfète Anne Laubies declined to shoot the first ball to inaugurate the court, instead leaving the honour to Karli Watt, brother of Jeremy Watt.