Holistic approach important for Brooks Park development

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I was born and spent the first 25 years of my life in Mandeville. I witnessed firsthand the economic security that once came from the bauxite/alumina industry, and I lived with the pride of being part of a community known for its cleanliness, and low crime rate.

Over the years, I have also had the opportunity to live abroad, all while maintaining close ties with my alma mater and friends back home. Those friends often tell me that Mandeville is a town that caters only to children and retirees. While I have always disagreed with that sentiment, I must admit that there is some truth to the underlying issue – a general lack of vibrant entertainment, social gathering, and sporting spaces.

Despite this, Manchester has produced a remarkable list of sporting legends like Sherone Simpson, Nesta Carter, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Omar McLeod, Natoya Goule, Donovan Bailey, Sheri-Ann Brooks, to name a few. In the realm of music and the arts, Manchester has either birthed or nurtured talents such as Tony Rebel, Bunny Rugs, Anton Phillips, Lila Iké, Luciano, Nigel Staff, Pablo Moses, Ijahman, Ernest Ranglin, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Ce’cile.

Astonishingly, all of this has happened without a single, properly established sporting or entertainment venue.

That is why the recent debate surrounding the development of Brooks Park is so perplexing. As someone who grew up just a few miles from the venue, I walked past Brooks Park many times on my way to and from school. I watched Los Perfectos play football there, and I attended my first Third World concert on that very field. Brooks Park has long held both practical and emotional significance for the people of Mandeville.

I have also followed the career of the Mayor Donovan Mitchell and for the most part, I’ve been satisfied with his stewardship of the town. However, I must respectfully express my strong disagreement with his current position regarding Brooks Park.

As a born and bred Manchesterian, I know we are more than capable of “riding and whistling at the same time”. We can develop both Brooks Park and the Mandeville Market simultaneously. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

I am urging the Mayor Mitchell and his team to take a more inclusive, visionary, and collaborative approach to the development of Brooks Park. This could mark the beginning of a new era for Mandeville – a renaissance that embraces culture, sports, community, and innovation. We as a people should rise above that and focus on meaningful, 21st-century development for our town.

EVEROY ANDERSON