WHILE I cannot vividly recall seeing in the print media an artist’s impression/sketch; photograph, plan and last but not least and most important, a budget of expenditure, which in my estimation could be hundreds of millions. Of course, all in the interest of accountability and transparency, in relation to the completed Durban Park, Entertainment Centre and Recreational Facility. Editor, it would be remiss of me to not mention that while such a massive undertaking is extremely welcome, nevertheless, “John Public” ought to have some meaningful insight, as to how the taxpayers’ dollars, if any is being spent; cost over-runs, duration and the sports disciplines that will benefit. Suffice it to say under whose jurisdiction would the facility fall? Maintenance costs, equipment, labour force et.al.Meanwhile, since a lot has already been said at this juncture reference is hereby being made to the subject matter: the late Harold “Lightweight” Kissoon. A former M&CC Councillor, Social Activist, Community Worker and Sports Administrator extraordinaire, “Lightweight,” as he was fondly called was also a founding member of the now defunct Lodge Rovers Football Club. Additionally, it was the late individual, who firstly organised the only true and meaningful, Lodge Village Day of Sports: Circle Tennis, Cricket, Football, Basketball, Cycle Races, Athletic Road Race and Bird Racing. This was/is against the backdrop of the current “bubble sessions” filled with lewd and noisy pollution emanating from Sound Systems/Stereo Sets! The late individual despite his political differences, never discriminated, based on ethnicity. He was always receptive and accommodating to one’s views. In two instances, the first between 1993-96, Harold included myself as part of a delegation to meet with the former Minister of Human Services,The Honourable Indra Chandarpal, towards Durban Park’s restoration. Parade Ground’s restoration, to facilitate the re-inculcation of Christ Church Secondary School, Inter-House, Junior and Senior Football Competitions, initiated a discussion with officials from the M&CC.
Finally, before I forget, the then Georgetown Football League (GFL) and presently Georgetown Football Association (GFA) under the presidencies of Messrs Winston Callender and Oliver Hinckson, at the insistency of “Lightweight” was in pursuit of becoming a “perspective lessee” of land at Durban Park, for a football facility. While a banked track for cycling, closer to Homestrech Avenue, in the vicinity of the former grandstand, became a reality, utilising manual self-help labour! As a mark of respect, dignity and honour in memory of the late Harold “Lightweight” Kissoon, a major part of the sports’ facility must be named in his memory for his sterling contributions, vision and development of sports, not restricted to Lodge alone and Durban Park, by extension. Honourable mention should also be made to Steve Grant, a long-standing resident of Lodge; former M&CC, Councillor, the late Rudolph “Coffee” Harris and others too numerous to mention. With the phenomenal achievements the late individual truly deserves honourable mention at the commissioning of Durban Park, with his name on a plaque!
Respectfully Yours,
Lester Sealey