Saint Lucia’s sports journalists discuss issues with Prime Minister King

Prime Minister King meeting with sports journalists

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – “As Prime Minister and former Minister for Sports (1982

– 1987), I think this evening’s meeting came at a very timely moment, and it is

one I intend to pursue, by discussing with the Minister for Sports and his Ministry

officials. To see how we can collaborate with sports journalists, and to attempt t

o work together as partners in the, development, the promotion and the

administration of sports in Saint Lucia.”

These were some of the words stated by Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister

Stephenson King, when he met with some of the island’s sports journalists last

Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting has been described as “it was a very good meeting for all that we

want is a radical change in the administration and management of sports from t

he top.”

The four who met with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister were Brian MacDonald of

Radio Saint Lucia, David Pascal of The STAR Newspaper, Anthony Debeauville of t

he VOICE Newspaper, and Robertson S. Henry of www.sportcaraibe.net.

“

The discussion this evening was a most encouraging one,” stated Prime Minister

Stephenson King.

According to Prime Minister King, “It demonstrates the level of support that

sports journalists are giving to our national sports men and women, and that is i

ndeed a very important component of the performance of sports men and sports

women.”

Some of the issues discussed were usage of playing facilities in Saint Lucia,

policy of payment to use facilities by national teams which must be stopped, and

assistance (financial and otherwise) to leading sports men and women.

The administration of sports at the government level, assistance to sporting i

nitiatives that would benefit Saint Lucia's sportsmen and women, implementation

of an in-depth sports programme in schools as part of the overall thrust to

properly develop sports in Saint Lucia, sports programmes to positively c

ontribute to the island’s tourism product, and the establishment of a National

Sports Commission, were amongst the issues also discussed.

Next year Saint Lucia will be hosting the 2009 Catifta Games, and at such an i

mportant juncture, the sports journalists expressed thjeir concerns over the l

evel of preparation.

The Prime Minister gave his assurance that he will be looking into these issues,

and if any additional resources are required, then these will have to be made

available towards ensuring that the 2009 Carifta Games be a success.

“

It is a regional event,” noted Prime Minister King. “It transcends beyond the

boundaries of sports. It appeals to tourism, it appeals to many other sectors and t

herefore it means that the government must pay particular attention and give it t

he kind of prominence that is deserving of this very important event.”

The media provides the necessary coverage to sporting and sports-related

events, and together with the spectators at these events, much moral support is

given to the players in their endeavours.