The little Moore's Island community came alive on Thursday, July 12 when the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson visited and announced plans for the government to provide a sporting facility.
It was a historic day of sorts for the island, one of those within the Abaco group, as the journey began for a landmark accomplishment. Enthusiastic representatives of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture along with island officials greeted the minister and his delegation.
Minister Johnson's party traveled directly to Marsh Harbour where they were met by Whelma Colebrooke, Benjamin Pinder and Ishmael Morley.
Colebrooke, the former outstanding track athlete, who continues making vital contributions to her country in the civil service, has moved over to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture from Local Government where she was a deputy administrator. She is now first assistant secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Office and heads the Marsh Harbour Office. Pinder serves as an Administrator for Abaco and Morley is the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Sports Coordinator for the Abacos.
At Marsh Harbour, the New Providence party made the connecting flight by charter to Moore's Island. Welcoming them were Chief Councilor Tommy Dames; Deputy Chief Councilor Thomas Heild; Councilors Lillian Laing and Dencil Stuart; and Rev. Anthony Williams, the noted coach of the outstanding young athletes.
The Moore's Island officials identified an area for the proposed facility and with Minister Johnson, discussed the suitability for a mini sports complex. Minister Johnson was impressed and pointed out that the ridge that lines the border at the rear section of the property would be ideal for bleachers.
"That hill area is perfect for seating. Spectators would be able to clearly see whatever is happening on the track or the infield," said the Minister.
In making the visit, Minister Johnson was fulfilling an early promise made by him. With emphasis, Minister Johnson informed the nation shortly after he became a part of the winning political group at the May 7 General Election, that a priority of his was to quickly visit Moore's Island and with advice from the residents, officially designate an area for a sporting facility.
Moore's Island got worldwide acclaim back in 2009, when Coach Williams led a team of surprisingly talented young boys and girls who grabbed the spotlight at the Bahamas Association of Athletics Associations (BAAA) National Championships, staged in the capital and subsequently the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since that explosion on the sports scene, Williams and his athletes have given Moore's Island a strong identity for sporting success.
Minister Johnson is driven "as part of my portfolio, to ensure that Moore's Island and all other communities in our Family Islands are provided as much assistance as is possible, to maximize the potential of the various sporting programs."
The visit to Moore's Island was step one of his overall plan for the Family Islands. The minister is convinced that the visit will impact the program for the Family Islands positively. Island and sporting leaders elsewhere in islands of The Bahamas can now recognize the seriousness of the intention of Minister Johnson and the government to finally focus fully on facilities that would provide a more competitive development base.
In New Providence and Grand Bahama, the athletes are afforded multiple quality facilities. In many island communities, Moore's Island being a prime example, there is not one appropriate facility.
Coach Williams has had to build his fantastic club of young boys and girls with just an uneven running surface at the Moore's Island School and the airstrip to be utilized for training.
In a special interview before traveling to Moore's Island, Minister Johnson lamented the situation.
"It cannot be fair for our athletes in the Family Islands to have to make do with perhaps just one or in many cases no proper training facility at all. I marvel at what those athletes in Moore's Island under Coach Williams have been able top do. I want my visit there to set the tone for what is to come. I intend to make the sports development program of the islands, a priority.
"It's a challenge to do all that you wish to do, or even most of it, given the financial situation we met but we're there now. We must get the job done. Our athletes in the Family Islands, collectively, will be a big focus of mine.
"We are not talking about major sporting facilities in every location. We must give them something though. A nice track surface, a proper basketball court, a good softball field, and equipment...this is the focus. Just consider what has happened for Moore's Island. What more could happen throughout the Family Islands if we just give them the assistance they need?
"Concentrating on the development process in the Family Islands" is essential, said Minister Johnson.
When he was about to depart Moore's Island, the minister marveled at the capacity for help being demonstrated on an ongoing basis by Coach Williams.
"Can you imagine what he has put on his shoulders? He actually has a mini sports academy going. He houses, feeds, trains and maintains a wholesome program for athletes. We've got to give him some assistance. We don't want him to be overburdened," said the minister.
Coach Williams has in his charge some 40 athletes and he has about 10 of them living at his home.
"Here is where they all stay," he informed while giving Minister Johnson and his party a tour of the area within his home set aside for the athletes. I keep them comfortable and guide them not only in training but otherwise. There are time schedules they have to keep to maintain their proper development. I see to that," said Coach Williams.
The coach indeed has a template that the ministry would do well to emulate. Minister Johnson was impressed.
Accompanying the minister were Under Secretary Calvin Balfour and Sports Director Tim Munnings. On hand also was John Shaffer, an Abaco-based engineer from the Ministry of Works.
He will coordinate the process along with Administrator Pinder, First Assistant Colebrooke, Morley and Moore's Island local government.
o To respond to this sports feature, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmaial.com.

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