Rugby vents concern about ground

According to Brian Lewis, secretary of the TTRFU, the sport of rugby has had the use of President’s Ground for as long as can be remembered to the extent that the ground is considered the mythical home of the sport with a tradition and history that is part of the fabric of the local game.

In the early days rugby and hockey shared the use of the ground. In recent times rugby has shared the ground with Superstar Rangers football team and the St Ann’s community.

"This decision to acquire the ground forcefully for the new PM’s residence, if the reports are correct is mind numbing in its lack of regard, respect and consideration for sports, the youths and community," said Lewis.

"This latest development can be viewed against the backdrop of the rumoured loss of the PSA Courts to tennis and the increasing encroachment of Carnival celebrations and shows on the Queen’s Park Savannah, all to the detriment of sport.

"The seemingly unplanned real estate development of Port-of-Spain and environs also threatens the athletes’ space," said Lewis.

"It would appear that very soon the City of Port-of-Spain will have no place for the people to recreate and indulge in sport activity outside of paying membership fees," he said. "Surely the National Sport Policy did not envision these adverse developments.

"On what basis was the decision made to appropriate President’s Grounds for the sole use of the Prime Minister? Why was there no dialogue or input from those who use the ground? What were the concerns of security, environmental or otherwise that would have precipitated such a far reaching decision?" Lewis asked.

"If the concerns and issues were found to be valid and relevant could discussion with the historical and recent users not forge a resolution?" he suggested.

The TTRFU said they would like to place on public record their strong concern and disappointment and urge those responsible to engage in dialogue with the users of the President’s Grounds.

"Sport and physical recreation has a crucial role to play in the development of a society where there is peace and security," Lewis said. "In first world cities green spaces that allow access for sport and recreation for the ordinary citizens) young and old are considered an imperative. In addition green spaces are considered the lungs of a city or community," he ended.