January 16, 2014

Dear Sir,

I read with disgust but understanding on the news that The National Sports Centre will have to charge people for the use of the facility.

We are in such financial dire straits that our children will have to pay to use the facility that they have always been allowed to use, at no cost or a minimum cost. The athletic programmes have benefited them and society as a whole. We really need to find a way where the youngsters taking part are not disenfranchised because of their means.

Our children need positive outlets, like track and field, to help them grow to be productive and contributing members of society and need not to be hampered in any way in reaching their goals.

What disgusts me is that this could have been avoided. We should have funds in the kitty to keep such worthwhile facilities like the NSC open without the users having to pay for its use. However, we are running a deficit of $300 million and the money is not there to fund many social programmes that are sorely needed.

I should not lay blame, but I must say it the way I see it. Had we not paid Beyonce over $1 million to perform for an hour or two, visited The Playboy Mansion, funded Faith Based Tourism or built The Grand Atlantic at a cost collectively of over $40 million, we would be able to funds these much wanted and needed programmes.

The OBA now are in a position where they have to make unpopular decisions because of the financial constraints they have to face. Let’s hope they see fit to be sympathetic to those that need help the most, our society going forward will depend on it!

CHANGER

Sandys