Local News

Incentive package a “worthy gesture’’

St. George’s, October 17, 2011 – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has complimented Government on its “worthy gesture’’ of offering an incentive package as a reward to athletes Kirani James, Rondell Bartholomew, Janelle Readhead, and Alleyne Francique, as well as to coach Albert Joseph.

As part of the package, announced last week by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, Lagoon Road will be renamed the Kirani James Boulevard. Plans are also in the making to enhance the ambiance and physical layout of the area.

The teenage track star is the holder of the IAAF outdoor 400 metre title, which he won in August in Daegu, South Korea. James has captured four races in which he has competed since becoming a professional athlete earlier this year.

“As a nation, we have not done near enough to recognize our heroes and iconic figures,’’ said NDC Public Relations Officer, Sen. Arley Gill. “It is common knowledge that Kirani is from Gouyave in St. John. But we applaud the Government for elevating him, and the other athletes, to national status. The NDC supports this bold and worthy gesture by Prime Minister Thomas and his Government.’’

Sen. Gill noted that in St. Kitts, the government dedicated a highway in the capital, Basseterre, to athlete Kim Collins. He is a former 100 metre World Championship gold medalist. Collins won bronze at this year’s games in Daegu.

Similarly, in Trinidad and Tobago, cricketer Brian Lara and former 100 Olympic champion, Hasley Crawford, were both honoured with monuments in the capital, Port of Spain. There are the Brian Lara Promenade and the Hasley Crawford Stadium.

“These showpieces to the world that pay tribute to a country’s heroes do not preclude other honours being bestowed on them in the villages and by civic and community groups,’’ Sen. Gill pointed out.

 

The full reward and recognition package is as follows.

 

Ø Renaming of Lagoon Road to Kirani James Boulevard

 

Ø Provision of a parcel of land to both Kirani and Rondell

 

Ø Provision of a home for Kirani’s family

 

Ø Provision of housing assistance to Janelle’s parent

 

Ø Provision of housing assistance to coach Joseph

 

Ø Appointment as Sports Ambassadors with Official Passports

 

Ø Commissioning of a commemorative stamp with Rondell and Kirani

 

Ø Issuance of an invitation to Alleyne Francique to attend the ceremony and the naming of the roundabout close to Reno and Tropicana.

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