IN THESE troubled economic times, the announcement earlier this week that White Hill Field is about to be transformed into a multi-purpose sports complex might have come as a surprise.

It took three of Government's top men, Sports Minister El James, Works Minister Derrick Burgess and Telecommunications Minister Terry Lister to convey the message – perhaps they all wanted to take some of the credit – but, nevertheless, if and when the project comes to fruition it will be one which could benefit all athletes.

And now it's up to that influential trio to ensure that their words will be translated into significant action.

There's no reason why the complex wouldn't benefit the community as a whole, helping to take frustrated kids off the street and into the sports arena where a number of programmes are planned.

The Somerset Bridge Recreation Club grounds – owned by Government – have long been considered one of the best on the Island, ideal for both cricket, football and other sports, but under-used.

Now the plan is to build a new clubhouse with changing rooms, a cricket pitch that will meet International Cricket Council standards, and facilities that could accommodate all athletes, in particular those involved in football, softball and track and field.

The intention is to lighten the burden placed on the National Sports Centre, and provide the kind of ground every bit as good, even better, than the facility in Trinidad where our national cricket team, at considerable expense, spend some of their time training.

It's also the first step of a long-term plan that could see St. David's Cricket Club upgraded, offering first class facilities at both ends of the Island, Prospect's National Sports Centre continuing to be Bermuda's 'Wembley'.

That's the good news.

As we've seen from past Government promises, there can be a huge difference between what's said and what's done.

Minister James, who has long advocated that White Hill Field should be better utilised as a major sports venue, had to admit that costs for the new project hadn't yet been drawn up and, as such couldn't estimate a completion date.

He did, however, reveal that a reduction might have to be made to the annual grants afforded to both cricket and football and is believed to be meeting with both governing bodies to discuss that issue.

What was surprising about Monday's announcement was the timing.

It came in a week when Ministries were advised to cut their spending by more than 10 percent.

And what may have been more surprising to some was the fact that no sooner had our three Ministers discarded the microphone, a bulldozer moved in to demolish the Bridge clubhouse.

Yet it should be explained that building has been lying almost derelict for some time with Somerset Eagles football players and their visiting opponents using portable facilities. Indeed, there have been calls from some Somerset residents to tear the building down as it was being used by squatters and other unsavoury characters.

However, many will remember what happened in the 1980s when the old National Stadium pavilion was demolished for a National Sports Centre which remains incomplete. It was years before anything resembling its replacement was ready for use.

The privately-owned Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC), once considered one of the Island's Premier facilities, was torn down 10 years ago and to this day the men in black and white still don't have a ground they can call home.

One has to believe the current Sports Minister is thoroughly committed to this latest project and desperately wants to see work begin in the New Year.

He wanted a similar plan put in place when he served as president of the Bermuda Cricket Board, but ran into a number of barriers.

Now, in his current capacity, after he's made the pledge he somehow has to find the funds to make it happen.

If the rubble strewn around the Somerset field this week is still there in a year's time, questions will be asked.

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ROAD runners will have been saddened to learn of the recent death of Richard Tucker.

For those who don't recognise the name, Tucker was the man who for 30 years or more made sure the annual May 24 Marathon Derby went off without a hitch.

As soon as one race was over, he and his committee started planning for the next. When his predecessor, Cecil Minors, passed away, Tucker took over the reins, spending almost all of his spare time ensuring that all aspects of the organisation were attended to.

At race registration and at the post-race presentation, he'd greet every runner with the same smile and same warm welcome.

He'll be sadly missed.

– ADRIAN ROBSON