The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis assured the public that his administration will not allow the public parks to go into the deteriorating state that previous administrations left the Southern Recreation Grounds in.

As a part of the Over-the-Hill rejuvenation programme, under the former Free National Movement led Hubert Minnis government, the park got started, but Davis and his Progressive Liberal Party government completed the final upgrade to the park and the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park.

Dedicated to his memory on May 13, 1995 under the then Minister of Sports, Algernon Allen, Davis said successive governments have been guilty of allowing the facility to fall in disrepair, which brings dishonour to the life, legacy and work of the late Thompson.

“Governments must do a better job, generally of maintaining public infrastructure and superstructures,” Davis said. “A word to the wise is sufficient. The Minister of Works is here, the chairman of the Beaches and Parks is here and you have heard what I’ve said.

“There are a number of public structures named after prominent Bahamians to mark their contributions to nation building and national development.

“The manner in which we maintain these public offices and assets is a direct reflection of how we view the contributions and legacies of these heroes in whose names and honour these public structures are named and dedicated.”

Davis said his government is turning over the facility to the surrounding communities and sporting organisations as a show of commitment to the development of young people as he officially rededicated and reopened the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park.

The ceremony was attended by Dame Marguerite Pindling, wife of the late former Prime Minister Lynden Pindling, family members of the late Archdeacon William Thompson and a number of parliamentarians, who all participated in the ribbon cutting to mark the celebrated occasion.

Davis, in a profound and highly spirited address, said it’s important for the Bahamas to continue to recognise and remember the commitment and dedication of those heroes and heroines who make significant sacrifices for the good of the country.

One such person, he said was Thompson, whom he developed a personal relationship with from the time he attended the former St John’s College, which was located just across from the park. He said he was delighted to rededicate and reopen the park because of Thompson’s contribution to his development that led to him becoming the fifth Prime Minister of the Bahamas.

“He had five years of my life as I was forming myself to who I was going to be and I owe much to him,” said Davis, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister under the second term of the Perry Christie led administration from 2012-2017.

Davis thanked Public Works Minister Alfred Sears and his technical team, acting minister of youth, sports and culture Keith Bell, Bahamas Striping Company for finally completing the scope of work in time for the rededication and reopening of the park just in time for the return and the start of the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association’s 2022 season on Saturday.

The Masters Softball League, for players 60 years and above, also utilises the field as their home.

The 45-year-old facility, according to Sears, was beautifully designed by architect Nitera Lightbourne with civil engineer Mario Smith, mechanical and electrical senior engineer Mark Hanna and quality surveyor Christopher Farquharson.

The redevelopment includes the renovation of the existing restrooms, concession stands, scorer’s booth and VIP lounge, new bleachers and home and away dugouts, renovation of the softball field with a new irrigation and drainage systems, resorting of the grass and the installation of a baseball diamond with appropriate soil mix.

Additionally, there is proper parking on Market Street and Blue Hill Road with solar panel lights erected for the completion of night games, a commercial scoreboard, foul ball poles and safety nets to prevent the balls from leaving the park.

Tommy Stubbs, a former journalist turned successful businessman at Buttons Formal Wear, is now the president of the NPOTSA. He noted his first vision in taking over the helm was to see the complete restoration of the park and it’s now a reality. However, he pleaded with those culprits, who ceased the opportunity to steal equipment and appliances from the facility to cease and desist before any appropriate legal action is taken against them in the protection of the newly renovated property.

Stubbs also thanked his executive team that continues to herald the league, which is called oldtimers for players 40 years and older, but whom he say should be known as “prime” time as they enjoy playing the game for the rest of their lives.

“We are not a professional league where persons are paid salaries, although some of us think we are and should be paid,” Stubbs said. “We have some very good athletes and softball players, who have graced this field over the years.

“Some are common citizens and others have risen to become prominent leaders in our communities, including one who became Prime Minister, second baseman Brave Davis. Be advised your son is now in the league. He is 41.”

As elected leaders of the league, Stubbs said they pledge to do their best to operate with equal fairness to all who participate to a successful season that will operate with a total of nine teams, including the KC Raiders, SWD Da Boys, Dozer Heavy Equipment Pros, Q Club Divers, BTC Vibes, Lone Rebels, Corner Boys, Yelrom Home Boys and the Masqueraders.

In between the rededication service, there was a series of games played, including a 14-13 win by the BTC Vibes over the Lone Rebels. In that game, the Vibes got a game-winning home run from shortstop Shawn Henfield for the first homer of the season.

“I have been waiting for 40 years to hit one out of that park,” Henfield said. “I was coming out here from a little boy, picking up bats as a bat boy. Couldn’t wait until I reached 40 to put one out. It’s a special moment for me.”

Also during the day, the Yelrom Home Boys doubled up the SWD Boyz 20-10, while the Dozer Heavy Equipment Pros did the same to the Masqueraders in their 12-6 decision.

Yesterday, the Yelrom Home Boys knocked off the KC Raiders 20-10, while the SWD Da Boyz nipped the Corner Boys 27-26 in nine innings.

The season is expected to run until the end of October with the playoffs and championships scheduled for November. Games are played every Saturday, starting at 10am and from 2pm on Sundays.

The league, however, will take a break because of a tournament being staged at the park this weekend by Member of Parliament Wayde Watson and his Bain and Grants Town constituency. Stubbs is urging the NPOTSA teams to assist the young players participating in the tournament.

The NPOTSA will resume competition over the weekend of August 6-7.