Walters Recreational Park important element for national pride- Premier Smith

Park & Gov’t building in VG can stand as a place of memorial for a ‘great family’- RT O’Neal

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Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn said attention must be paid to the social aspects of the community despite the economic challenges facing the territory. Photo: VINO

The naming of the park in honour of the Walters family was made on the recommendation of Opposition Leader and Ninth District Representative Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE (right). Photo: VINO

Opening and Naming of the Walters Recreational Park in Valley, Virgin Gorda on December 19, 2013. Photo: VINO

Dr Smith said the parks such as what is being opened in Virgin Gorda is an important element in developing national pride and that his government was keen on developing green spaces despite some may have different opinions such as when the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park was being developed. Photo: VINO

Opening and Naming of the Walters Recreational Park in Valley, Virgin Gorda on December 19, 2013. Photo: VINO

SPANISH TOWN, Virgin Gorda, VI- No doubt a sign of appreciation, a large number of persons including some anxious children attended the Opening and Naming of the newly constructed park in Virgin Gorda in honour of two outstanding Virgin Gorda residents, Leopold and Laura Walters today, December 19, 2013.

The naming of the park in honour of the Walters family was made on the recommendation of Opposition Leader and Ninth District Representative Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

Premier Smith said he overheard that the park has already been booked and was pleased that it is already being seen as an integral part of the community. He also said apart from the fact that parks provide recreational spaces and other things, it was important that persons recognise that it helps to promote national pride. “Because I think that that is one of the things that we as BVIslanders are gradually coming to get used to the idea that national pride is an important part of our being.”

The Leader of the territory also gave an example of Amsterdam in the Netherlands where he said the place was not always “so nice looking” but the Government there had decided that they needed to clean-up up the place and create parks which would in turn have a “calming effect” on the population and give them a sense of confidence in what the government was doing.

The Premier also extended congratulations to the Walters family who also gave up land where the Administration Building in Virgin Gorda not sits and now an extension for the creation of the park.

Hon. O’Neal said the Walters family has done well for Virgin Gorda and the Virgin Islands and said the Admin building and park can stand as a place of memorial for a “great family”.

He called on all users of the park to take care of it and not to “use and abuse” it. He also called on motorists to take extreme caution in that area now that many children will be using the park.

Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn said attention must be paid to the social aspects of the community despite the economic challenges facing the territory. “Attention must be paid to the things that improve the quality of life of persons in the community.” He added that Government may not have enough money to service the needs of each member of the community but projects such as the park serves to enrich the lives of many.

Hon. Walwyn also said the youth of Virgin Gorda are talented and noted that the necessary facilities must be put in place so the talents can be nurtured.

Mr Louis Walters, the nephew of Mr Leopold Walters, expressed thanks to those responsible for naming the park after the Walters family and said that it should be a proud moment for all Virgin Gordians. He also encouraged everyone to pay more attention to beautification of the environment.

Project Manager of the Walters Recreational Park Mr Steve Augustine also gave remarks and noted that the project was delivered with no overrun or variations.

Meanwhile, Mr Leopold Walters was a renowned seaman and boat captain. He also served the community as a local constable, shopkeeper and farmer. His wife Mrs Laura Walters, who hailed from North Sound, was a teacher at the St Mary’s Anglican School for many years.

Other officials at the park opening included Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool, Speaker of the House, Hon. Ingrid Moses, Deputy Speaker and 5^th District Representative Hon. Deloris Christopher, Territorial At Large Representative Hon. Archibald C. Christian and Chairman of the National Recreation Trust Mr Roy Barry.

19 Responses to “Walters Recreational Park important element for national pride- Premier Smith”

OC (19/12/2013, 17:09) Like (6) Dislike (17) Reply
Just more wasted money when people are hungry
ann (19/12/2013, 17:23) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
Ok so after two long years all we got from Myron and NDP is two parks let’s see if we could eat parks
- just for votes (20/12/2013, 00:11) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
  What a pathetic vote troll.
virgin gord (19/12/2013, 20:23) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
Thanks for the park but we need a hospital
- Valley (20/12/2013, 00:13) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
  Anything for a vote
  
  A fool born every minute, the ndp reminds us.
  
  Thanks much for a not so needed park
one eye (19/12/2013, 20:54) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
i marvel at the response to this park
pat (19/12/2013, 23:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
this is a good looking well designed park. It is always a tough call when there are so many other priorities. I hope it gets well-used.
tom cat (20/12/2013, 00:03) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
Great move....but money not well spent
keep it real (20/12/2013, 00:19) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
Another slap in the face to those who will not listen to what the real needs of Virgin Gorda is!!!
Daughter of the soil (20/12/2013, 07:09) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
As a parent I am very grateful for the park. A safe environment has been beautifully created for our children to play.
confused (20/12/2013, 09:01) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
I am thankful that we our children have a Park to play in at present. Yes I do agree that we need a new hospital, our ports to be remodelled to make them tourist friendly etc. But everything takes time people. We keep complaining about the government ain't doing this and they ain't doing that. Let's come together as a community and try to assist somewhere! We are the people who put them in, but yet we complain that things aren't being done right.....be a voice out loud not just on VINO!
put a sock in it.... (20/12/2013, 09:12) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
you people need to stop, what's done is done, and its beautiful! It was needed, may not be in the sight of many of yo, but for many others, it was definitely needed. Kudos to Myron Walwyn, and the NDP Government!
Well Sah (20/12/2013, 10:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
Some of you all are something else. You mean to tell me that the money spent is to much for our children. Give me a break.
- wise up (20/12/2013, 21:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  well sah; so you saying when the children gets sick simply send them to the "park" for "health care"...thank God for freedom of speach !!!!!
tretretrete (20/12/2013, 15:44) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
nicee park but I see nothing there to justify the $700,000. price tab!!! that could have done a lot for health care on the island..
- Sit (26/12/2013, 12:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  More corruption
wise up (20/12/2013, 21:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
the park is great BUT a better health care facility for the citzens, residents and visitors for virgin gorda would have been money better spent; as i said the park is wondeful !!!!!
we the people (22/12/2013, 15:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
when we get sick we will just go to the park and die
chat (26/12/2013, 13:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
I wonder what rALPH AND Smith chatting bout in that pic???? hummmmmmm

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Walters Recreational Park important element for national pride- Premier Smith

19 Responses to “Walters Recreational Park important element for national pride- Premier Smith”

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