A new chapter in Saint Lucia’s sporting development has begun, marked by significant upgrades at Mindoo Phillip Park and increased investments in youth and semi-professional athletics. The Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, has hailed these advancements as a “signal in the right direction” for the nation’s athletic future.
Speaking on the recent improvements at Mindoo Phillip Park, Casimir emphasised the facility’s historic role in Saint Lucia’s cricket legacy and youth development programmes.
“On April 11, we saw brand new lights on display for our cricketers and all Saint Lucia to see at the … park, as we started a new era in semi-professional cricket in Saint Lucia,” he said.
For years, the venue, which the minister called the mecca of cricket development in Saint Lucia, lacked proper lighting for evening matches and training sessions.
He highlighted the park’s role in nurturing top national cricketers such as Daren Sammy, Johnson Charles and Zaida James, stressing the importance of quality facilities in fostering talent. Additionally, Casimir revealed that a state-of-the-art gym will soon open at the park, further enhancing its sports infrastructure.
Beyond cricket, the minister spotlighted the national youth track and field team’s upcoming participation in the regional Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago, with a 22-member squad representing Saint Lucia.
He also celebrated recent successes in youth athletics, particularly the Inter-District Primary School Track and Field Competition, where District 8 emerged as the overwhelming winners. “We are hoping that this is a signal in the right direction for track in Saint Lucia,” Casimir said.
Semi-professional football is also gaining momentum, with four major corporate sponsors backing the Mucha 40 Semi-Professional Football League. Casimir said authorities hope to secure more partnerships to develop the sport further.
