Reopen Grande swimming pool

THE EDITOR: This is an open letter to the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs and Member of Parliament for Toco/Manzanilla, Roger Boynes, informing him about the Sangre Grande Community swimming pool which has been closed for almost two years, it could be more. This same pool a couple of years ago had a very vibrant swim club winning medals in many competitions. Imagine if we could produce more world class swimmers of the likes of George Bovell III and his brother. We live on an island completely surrounded by water, so shouldn’t we be able to swim?

We constantly hear of young people who are idle and in need of activities to properly engage them and sport is one such avenue. Swimming does not require any expense except swim-wear and the young people could not only be engaged in meaningful activity they could also be maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Older persons as well can utilise the swimming pool. The swimming pool should be opened on weekends during the day (possibly up to 4 or 5 pm) and during the week (up to about 8 pm). I believe that the pool could also build community relations among residents. I feel that a minimal fee could be charged — possibly free to children under a certain age and a $1 or $2 fee per use for adults. Certainly swimming courses, even life saving courses could be held.

So come on Mr Boynes, please in any of your portfolios could you ensure that the pool reopens in the community in which you grew up. The residents of Sangre Grande are awaiting this revival, it is long overdue.

M LEWIS-WILLS
Port-of-Spain