NORWOOD is, unfortunately, a community that has seen more than its fair share of violence over many years. In fact, some of the most heinous crimes have been committed in this St James community, giving it a reputation that, we are sure, the majority of its residents were not proud of.

So when corporate entities pool their resources to provide facilities that can contribute to a sense of purpose among the people of Norwood, those firms must be highly commended.

Mr Bruce Bicknell of Tankweld therefore deserves every accolade for engineering the construction of a $7-million multi-purpose court in Norwood, which was officially opened last Thursday night.

As was reported in this week’s Sunday Observer, Mr Bicknell received financial support for this project from Rainforest Seafoods, National Continental Baking Company, Barnett Estates and Fairview Texaco Service Station.

The court, we are told, is equipped with a stand, floodlights and can be used for basketball, netball, football and other games.

What we found highly commendable with this project was that the companies approached by Mr Bicknell never hesitated to give their support. That, to us, suggests that these organisations and their principals share an undying faith in the ability of Jamaicans to overcome challenges, no matter how daunting.

In fact, Mr Bicknell expressed that feeling very well when he said at the opening ceremony: “We believe that if private sector companies give back more to the community, many of the big problems would become little problems for Jamaica.”

Mr Bicknell, of course, is correct, and his comment was rooted in the empirical evidence of the positive effects that his company’s contributions to Waterhouse, Arnett Gardens, Portmore and Grants Pen have had on residents.

We acknowledge, naturally, that the provision of sporting facilities alone is no panacea to the problems of crime, unemployment and poverty.

However, sport, as Mr Bicknell correctly pointed out, has the ability to unite communities. It also enables the moulding of human character and respect for opponents, even as it encourages robust competition.

But just as important, sport offers income-earning opportunities to the most talented among us. A mere glance at our track and field athletes, national footballers and cricketers is enough to confirm that. In fact, Mr Bicknell highlighted that very fact when he reminded his audience that a number of Jamaican footballers, basketballers and netballers are now benefiting from transfers and scholarships.

What Tankweld, Rainforest Seafoods, National Continental Baking Company, Barnett Estates and Fairview Texaco Service Station have provided in this facility is more than a venue for sports. It also offers the Government and its social agencies an opportunity to further engage the community in an effort to implement additional programmes aimed at changing people’s lives for the better.

It is our hope that the State will recognise this and make good use of the opportunity. At the same time, we encourage the people of Norwood to protect this investment and demonstration of faith in them.