It would be a dereliction of BU’s commitment to public duty if no mention was made of the continuing lack of access by our young people to adequate stadia. Ministers of Sports have come and gone with very little done to implement a comprehensive strategic plan for youth and sports in Barbados, including adequate physical facilities.

As a reminder here are two points extracted from the 2018 BLP Manifesto.

Who recalls former Minister Stephen Lashley floating the idea of collecting $10.00 from willing Barbadians to assist with the reconstruction of the national stadium? That feeble appeal occurred in 2017 no doubt an election gimmick. The 2018 DLP Manifesto does not make significant mention of any proposals centred around youth and sports. Fast forward to 2024 where our best young athletes have to stage school sports day on cow pastures.

Who recalls former Minister Stephen Lashley floating the idea of collecting $10.00 from willing Barbadians to assist with the reconstruction of the national stadium? That feeble appeal occurred in 2017 no doubt an election gimmick. The 2018 DLP Manifesto does not make significant mention of any proposals centred around youth and sports. Fast forward to 2024 where our best young athletes have to stage school sports day on cow pastures.

With the spotlight on the 2024 Olympics looming in August, Barbadians will have to be satisfied with hailing for the Jamaicans and Bahamians. There is local girl Sade Williams who has had to retreat to Jamaica and elsewhere to hone her skills, who all things being equal, could reach the 400m finals in August.

One has to admit tiny countries like Barbados lack the resources to support world class sports programs. However, sports in this age affords the opportunity for young people to win scholarships overseas in several disciplines. Being able to imbue our citizens, especially the youth, with a sense of opportunity is important to its national well being.

The sports and youth ministry has traditionally been given to a junior minister. The day this arrangement changes discerning Barbadians will know the government of the day is serious. A majority of us only recognize the contribution sports make when it touches our household or a global sports event pops up on the calendar. Otherwise, many remain ambivalent to the idea government should focus on economic priorities given scarce financial resources.

On any occasion the blogmaster has reason to travel along the ‘Stadium Road’ located adjacent to Botanical Gardens, one has to admit it maybe an accurate reflection of what the future has in store.