Laventille is a place of hope, progress, and great things.
This was the view expressed by Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Keith Scotland, at the launch of the Revival North Zone Basketball Competition last night. The event took place at the St Paul Multipurpose Complex along St Paul Street, Port of Spain.
It was also attended by several key persons including Adrian Leonce, Member of Parliament for Laventille East/Morvant, as well as officials from the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited (EPoS).
Scotland told those present that he was pleased to see the turnout, and the potential for the Revival Basketball Competition 2024.
He noted the competition will feature teams across East Port of Spain and surrounding areas, and would be a great outlet for young men throughout these areas. He said that the tournament would help foster peace in the East Port of Spain community by creating an avenue for positive growth and teamwork.
“Something positive is coming out on St Paul Street and we must celebrate it. We must dictate our own narrative. When something positive is happening, we must not shy away from it. We must shout loudly and declare it. Publicise it. So the world can know about it. That there are positive things that are happening here. That great things are happening here. That great people come from here,” Scotland said.
He made specific mention of persons, including Patrick Joseph, Derek “Corn Bread” James, Albert Sprout, and Steven Lighter Lewis, as prime examples of good, talented, and hard-working men who can come out of the East Port of Spain communities. He also gave the assurance that the Government was willing to put in the effort to rebuild communities throughout the country, and the St Paul Street area was not an exception.
“Once upon a time, St Paul Street was the mecca for basketball in the community. And we would like to see it become one again. It will take effort, but we are willing to put in that effort,” Scotland said.
The minister was also critical of the lack of heavy media presence at the event, adding that when unfortunate acts of criminality took place, it would be printed, but there appeared to be a hesitation to feature positive items. This, he said, needed to change.
Leonce also praised the community for coming together, and he said he expected great things from the competition.
