[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or years now the St Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) were nomads in search of greener pastures, in this case a home they can call their own when it comes to staging competitions. That day has finally arrived.
On March 18, the SLRFU held a soft launch to officially announce the acquisition of land opposite Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School which will be used as a playing field.
During his welcome remarks, Vice President of the SLRFU, Shaun Alcindor welcomed everyone including Senator and Vice President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee Inc, Fortuna Belrose; President of the SLRFU, Roger Butcher; Past President of the SLRFU, Colvis Samuels.
Alcindor views rubgy more than just a sport to him it is a family and what they really enjoy doing is playing rugby. Every family needs a home and rugby is no exception.
“Having our own home means a lot to us,” said Alcindor. “A lot of other sports have been fighting for the longest time to be able to recognize that and get something of their own. Football has had a million dollars sitting in their coffers for years and up to now they still cannot finalize that Goal Project.”
Alcindor reminded everyone how difficult it is for associations to have a home and with that in mind remarked: “Though it may be ours we must always be prepared to share it with others who are less fortunate.”
Butcher gave a brief history of the sport dating back to 1974. He mentioned that the game flourished for several years and then declined. It was rekindled in 1992 and from then on continued to grow.
From the start the SLRFU never had a place to call home the next best thing was an an adopted home – The Castries Comprehensive Secondary School grounds.
He told the audience that in 2016 the Executive of the SLRFU with a mandate to elevate the game, developed a four year strategic plan which culminates with a St Lucia Rugby Team competing at the 2020 Olympics.
“A key component of this plan was the establishment of a rugby field,” said Butcher. “It is due to the efforts of this executive, Senator Belrose and the philanthropic gesture by Mr Dunstan DuBoulay and family that we are here today.”
The SLRFU President also acknowledge Rayneau Gajadhar who is assisting with the development of the field. When completed the cleared space will measure 120 metres by 90 metres which is sufficient to play international matches.
In closing Butcher said: “With the establishment of the field, St Lucia is sounding the call that we are on the road to the 2020 Olympics in Japan. The train to Japan is pulling out of the station. Join the St Lucia Rugby Football Union. Enjoy the ride, One Team, One Dream. Thank You.”
During her brief remarks, Belrose not only signaled out Butcher but also complimented former President Colvis Samuels for his past contribution to the SLRFU.
“A place to call home is what you have here,” said Belrose. A place where you can come and feel free with nobody harassing you, no other teams competing with you. It’s your place and that’s what we want in sports. Today we are moving into a direction where almost every sport will have a home to call its own. It is good that the Rugby Association have been able to work at that and pf course achieving it.”
How did the SLRFU achieve their ultimate goal? Belrose recalled Butcher coming to her officer about a year ago and inquired about a piece of land located near Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School which belonged to the DuBoulay’s and inquired if it would be possible for the SLRFU to use it.”
Belrose informed the owner of the property who in turn spoke to family members who agreed to loan the SLRFU the property as a training venue and home.
On behalf of the SLRFU, she thanked the DuBoulay’s and said: “They recognize the value of sports and the contribution they can make towards their social cooperate responsibility as as an organization but also as important citizens of this country, they recognize what it is to make life easier for all of us.”
Belrose went on to say: “From the St Lucia Olympic Committee standpoint I want to pledge our support to enabling you to realize the project you have begun here. We have the support of the Pan American Games Federation to support some infrastructural projects and I know my executive will be happy to provide what measure they can give to ensure that you realize this dream of your association.”
