The Pembroke Hamilton Club released today the following statement.
“Further to recent articles in the Royal Gazette, the Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) would like to address some inaccuracies and provide our financial members, stakeholders and community with some additional information.
The Pembroke Hamilton Club embarked on a development plan in 2000 to upgrade its sporting complex at #1 Stadium Lane, Warwick. The development was divided into three phases.
Phase One was the resurfacing of the playing surface and complete replacement of the lighting systems that had deteriorated beyond repair. To undertake this work, a loan was garnered from the Bermuda Industrial Union. The debt was serviced through rental income from our property holding at 81 Reid Street. As documented, the occupier of the building went into receivership despite our efforts to assist the company.
Phase Two involved the erection of a multipurpose facility, which has been communicated to the public previously. The features of the facility were a 2500 seat multipurpose room, health club and youth club. The business plan drafted drew wide spread support and The Government of Bermuda, in particular, the Ministry of Education saw an opportunity to use this facility for the TN Tatem family of schools (Paget Primary, Purvis, Heron bay and Warwick preschool); without having to invest the total sum of capital in one or multiple venues. PHC have progressed this phase through the planning process, however, efforts to secure financing for this project have proven to be difficult as the world sunk into a global economic recession.
Phase Three would see a second set of changing rooms and seating on the eastern side of the property.
Admittedly these plans were very ambitious. A fact we do not deny. However, we would not be the club we are today without the ambition of previous executives who had the vision to purchase property in Hamilton and Warwick or to continually look to grow and improve PHC. Ambition is a part of what makes PHC what it is. Through the challenges of the last 10 years, PHC has grown from a club with a single successful program (football) to one which boasts the award winning Majorettes and Drum Corp; the championship bowling team, flourishing cricket program which includes a thriving youth program, netball, softball and of course, our signature football program that continues to produce some of Bermuda’s top student athletes and international players. The PHC Zebra Scholarship, which has awarded over $85,000 over the last 3 years, run by the independent PHC Foundation, is unparalleled for a community club in Bermuda.
Our members have endorsed and approved these development plans and have been kept abreast of all developments through semi-annual and annual general meetings, as well as special meetings. PHC accounts are managed and prepared by a qualified CMA and are accessible to all financial members and stakeholders. PHC has and will continue to consistently review its financial status and commercial operation and present the membership with options to ensure that it is sustainable. However, we will not contribute to the court of public opinion but we will continue to work for the betterment of the Pembroke Hamilton Club”.
This morning the Ministry of Education moved to ensure clarity regarding reports in yesterday’s and today’s Daily newspaper surrounding the Ministry’s financial commitment to Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC).
Regrettably the stories have caused some concern in the community.
And the Ministry wishes to clarify that it is not committed to provide any funds to the PHC until such time that their facility is completed and public school students have access to it.
The Ministry further advised that there was a contract signed in 2008 and the finances being distributed are solely dependent on a completed PHC facility..
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