No more dust bowl

The bare dirt and the persistent presence of dust at the Cane End Playing Filed, which poses a potential health hazard, should soon be no more, as the venue is to be grassed.{{more}}

The first move to this becoming a reality came last Sunday afternoon, with the signing of the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), between the Social Investment Fund (SIF) and the Marriaqua Sports Association (MSA).

Signing on behalf of the MSA was Carlos James and for the SIF, Bentley Browne.

The signing formed part of the Opening Ceremony of the 2009 National Lotteries Marriaqua Sports Association Larry Bascombe Memorial Basketball Tournament at the Richland Park Government School Ground.

SIF will provide $130,000 for the project.

The re-grassing of the field, which has been the venue for the Marriaqua Football Competition for several years, is welcome news to users, who have over time complained of its dusty state.

This latest move to have the field re-grassed comes after other attempts in the past have failed, including the use of imported grass seeds.

At the opening of the Marriaqua Football League last August, Chairman of the National Sports Council Carlton “Teddy” James, in his address, complained of the conditions of the field and its danger to users’ health.

Interim President of the MSA Lyn Marie Nichols told SEARCHLIGHT last Sunday that with the Cane End Field to undergo re-grassing, this means that there will be no Football Competition for 2009.

Nichols also disclosed that likewise, there will be no Softball Cricket Competition, as the Richland Park Playing Field is also under repairs.

Nichols said that the Basketball competition will carry the brunt of the sporting activities this year.

The competition this year will see a total of ten teams participating, in this the third edition.

Street Fighters One, the 2007 winners, will again be in action, with Street Fighters Two, Biabou Outkast, the 2008 winner, along with Greiggs Most Wanted, Biabou Ballers, Biabou All Stars One and Biabou All Stars Two, Hood Boyz, Sion Hill Pacers and Kashe Angels.

But the President is looking ahead at staging the final of the Basketball competition at the new hard court, which is under construction.(RT)