If Chairman of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) Murray Bullock has his way, soca star and community activist Hance John would be a perfect candidate to replace incumbent MP Jimmy Prince following a period of grooming.
Hance who was speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Evesham playing field yesterday impressed the platform with an impassioned plea for the continued development of the young people in the constituency.
Mr Bullock challenged Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves to institute a mentoring program for Hance and other talented individuals.
The two-time Ragga Soca Monarch said many young men from the community have used the hard court at the Evesham Methodist School as an outlet to keep themselves out of trouble.
“It is a means of keeping them out of trouble, it’s a means of bringing the community together. It’s a means of youth development. We have been facing a lot of problems in our small community; gun violence, mental illness, drugs, we are not perfect.”
“You see that hard court at Evesham school? It helped to change many lives. [Fellas] testify that the hard court and playing football was the avenue to help relieve some stress and help them not to get involved in any criminal activities or being influenced as such.”
The ‘Sugar Mami’ and ‘Uptown Party’ singer told the audience which included Minister of Sports Cecil ‘Ces’ McKie that he would like to see the playfield lighted which according to the Prime Minister will cost a further $300,000 based on the South Rivers playing field model.
Hance added that persons should not question why the playing field was only now being done “as everything happens for a reason. If back then we had a playing field, it would not be next to the clinic.” He explained that in the event of any emergency, persons would be able to access the medical facility next door.
In speaking of the additional benefits, the community activist said that the school and neighbouring communities will be able to host school sports and other cultural events bringing benefits to the local entrepreneurs including shop keepers.
He encouraged young people to ‘hold the faith’ and to consider productive opportunities in sports and farming which are accessible across the constituency.
Hance also vowed that the playing field being constructed at a close to EC$500, 000 will be available to all saying “this park is not going to be shut. We have a responsibility to take care of our facilities. Let’s take care of our facilities.”