Plan for The SAB

The newly refurbished SAB Playing Facility at Vigie now has an Official Management Team and a detailed management plan.

This was facilitated through the completion and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Social Transformation, Youth and Sports and the Castries Football Council (CFC) last week. Under the agreement, the Ministry will provide much needed finance for capital and operational expenses, while the CFC has responsibility for capital and maintenance works as well as the day to day operations.  The MOU establishes the SAB Management Committee as the official management team which comprises two representatives from CFC, the ministry’s representative, a representative of the school district office and a representative from the private sector.

The five-member committee met with users of the facility last Sunday to discuss plans for the development and use of the facility. The two hour discussion realized a consensus that the current use of the facility by some members, has led to the deterioration of parts of the grounds. Rehabilitation to the affected areas is to commence immediately which will include limited access to affected areas at specific times.

President of the CFC and member of the SAB Management Committee, Francis Parry Daniel, outlined the procedures for application and use of the facility as stipulated in the MOU. These include registration of all users, user conduct and regulations and the proper scheduling of use. Attendees were extremely vocal in support of controlled access and the need to maintain the integrity of the surface. A special subcommittee will be formed to educate users on the key aspects of maintenance and their responsibilities.

Daniel also outlined some major projects to be undertaken which include water storage areas, lighting of the facility and the construction of a two storey complex to house a gymnasium, provide office and meeting space as well as a lounge for vending and social interaction.

The SAB Management Committee is expected to hold talks with several community, public and private sector groups with regard to its education and fund raising initiatives.
Members of the media are a primary target group, so that the information on the SAB operations and developmental plans can be disseminated to the public in the shortest possible time. Information will also be available via the internet.