Friday 31st October 2014 Ricardo Gladiator Welch Added Newsday Story By Julien Neaves KESHORN WALCOTT GETS $2.6M HOME IN VALSAYN This was how Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described the new $2.67 million home presented to Olympic medallist Keshorn Walcott. Walcott received his keys and deeds yesterday at his new home at East Grove Housing Community, Valsayn. He also received the deed to 20,000 square feet of land in Cumana, Toco, which he planned to give to his parents who still live in the area. “It’s theirs. I think that’s my gift to them. It’s theirs so they can do whatever they want with it and I am just happy they have something up there for their own,” he said. Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal described the house as “the most beautiful HDC house I have ever seen in my life”, looked more like a “State house” and one that was befitting of Walcott’s status. The house, which was constructed by converting two single family units into one, is 3,215 square feet on the ground floor, 1,500 on the first floor, and has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and an outdoor seating area. Moonilal recalled that back in August 2012 when he heard of Walcott’s win was during flood clean up in Diego Martin and it helped put a smile on the faces of thousands affected by floods. He noted that following his accomplishment the Prime Minister promised him land and a house. He pointed out this country’s first gold medal winner, Hasely Crawford, took 22 years before he received his house under the previous United National Congress administration and Government was proud that it took less than two years to provide the facility to Walcott. Moonilal also announced plans for housing projects in Toco area as the ministry expanded into rural areas. Persad-Bissessar told the media the gift was very much deserved. “I can look at Keshorn’s face and I see the face of a son of the soil. I am really proud of him and I am really gratified that we were able to reward him in this manner. It is absolutely wonderful. He truly deserves it,” she said. Walcott gave thanks to the Government for the gift of a “beautiful home” and noted he would do his best to “make this house a home”. Speaking later with the media, he said having a home “takes some issues off my hands” and will be a great help towards his future. He noted there was a plan for the house but he may “change it up a bit”. He explained that he chose this home over a previous offer of a home in Ellerslie Park, Maraval because it was a more central location and not enclosed. “It’s more fitting for me knowing that the space to the back, knowing that I could do exercises if I choose not to go to the (National) Stadium on a lazy day. I’m thankful for this,” he added. He joked that he will plant some mango trees in the back and “keep practicing” his javelin throws. Questioned about his competitive plans Walcott reported that he would not be able to participate in the Central American and Caribbean Games as it was too late for him, having recently started back his off-season. “So I’m just in preparation mode right now for 2015,” he said. Questioned how he would silence critics that he “was burnt out” Walcott laughed at the thought that he would be burnt out at age 19. “I don’t really work towards silencing any critics. I work towards improving myself,” he said. He said 2013 was a difficult year for injuries and last year he brought on a physiotherapist which has been a key in keeping him healthy. Questioned when he planned to move in he laughed “when I get furniture” and noted that it should be before Christmas.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 07:16:07 +0000
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