By BRENT STUBBS
Senior Sports Reporter
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
AS a sign of the respect and admiration that they have for him, the Bel Air Community has initiated plans for the naming of the Phil 'Smoka' Smith Park.
As one of the many parks located off Carmichael Road, community leader Athama Bowe said it's high time that they pay homage to the late ZNS sportscaster for his contribution to the Bahamas.
A number of community members, Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Carmichael Danny Johnson, PLP candidate for Bamboo Town Renward Wells and party supporters turned out yesterday to show their appreciation to Smith's wife Blossie and his mother, Gloria Smith.
Bowe, who prides himself on being the first resident of Bel Air, said when he was approached by MP Desmond Bannister about a name to suggest for the park, before one could be given Bowe called 'Phil Smith'.
"I said that because I am partial to Phil's contribution, both as a professional and as a historic to sports. I held that with me for a long time. But nothing happened. I felt that there is an opportunity that we could miss so I spoke with a few of the residents and they said let's do it. So I contacted Mrs Smith and asked her if anybody had contacted her about the naming of the park and she indicated that she had not been."
After writing an official letter on behalf of the community, Bowe said they got the ball rolling and they decided to take the initiative in getting it done, even though they realized that citizens can not name public facilities, but they can take the lead to say what they would like to see occur in their community.
With a sign that was created by Peter Roker, Bowe and persons present made their claim to having the park named in honour of Smith, who passed away three years ago in December.
"I'm sure that wherever Phil is, he is saying 'you mean they are doing that for me,' Bowe said. "I would say to Phil, wherever you are, just stay there. You don't have to come to us. It couldn't happen to a better person."
Smith's wife Blossie said she's "elated, happy and honoured" that somebody has decided to name the park after him.
"He's most deserving of it I feel because he has done a lot for this community and for the whole Bahamas," she said. "He didn't only work sports, but he lived sports. He made sure that Bahamians knew what was going on with our athletes. He loved sports. I'm really grateful and honoured that they are going to do this for him. It's never too late. The timing is just right."
His mother, Gloria, said despite being the youngest of four sons, she never really knew that he did so much for and touched the lives of so many people.
"I was amazed and now I'm quite pleased that even though he's gone, he will still be here," she said. "His name is still coming up for something. It's just good to see what they are doing."
Rosita Miller, a long-time resident of the area, said while she has been watching from across the road, she has pledged to ensure that the park is properly maintained.
Natasha Newbold, a former national bodybuilding and powerlifting champion, said she was glad to be alive to witness the initial stage, but she hopes that before she dies, something similar can be done for her.
"I've been in the sport for so long and I haven't accomplished anything or achieved anything from the government," she said. "But it also takes me back to March 1, 2003, when my husband died. So I know for a fact that Blossie and I share the same sentiments. We have the same feelings."
Van Delaney, a former basketball player and a resident of Bel Air for more than 30 years, said he watched as the park evolved to the point where they can now and should put a name - Phil Smith - on it.
"We grew up together playing basketball for the Bain Town Stationers and he was one of those dedicated persons," Delaney said. "Whenever he got on the court, he gave it his best."
Delaney said they just have to further develop the park, which includes bathroom facilities, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts as well as a track that can be used for walking so that everybody can come out and enjoy a family atmosphere.
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