Walwyn clashes with Education Minister over Belle Vue gym

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn and Education Minister Sharie deCastro engaged in a heated debate in the House of Assembly recently over the future of the Belle Vue gym, a community facility destroyed during the 2017 hurricanes.

The exchange took place as the two discussed funding for the gym’s reconstruction, a critical issue for the residents of District 6. Walwyn questioned deCastro’s ministry’s commitment to rebuilding the gym, noting that the facility had been essential for sporting events, civic activities, and community gatherings. “The Belle Vue gym was destroyed by the hurricanes of 2017 and has not been rebuilt,” he said. “This was a place for the entire community of District 6 to hold various functions.”

Walwyn asked deCastro whether the proposed $100 million loan facility pursued by the government included funding for the gym’s reconstruction. He expressed disappointment with the Minister’s response, claiming she had previously indicated there were no plans for the gym’s rebuilding. However, deCastro strongly denied these claims. She clarified that she had consistently supported the gym’s reconstruction. “I must clarify that the records do not support the statement by the member for the Sixth District suggesting that I, as Minister, indicated there were no plans to rebuild the Bellevue gym,” she said.