BELIZE CITY – Albert Hoy Field, colloquially known as Dubu Field, stands as a testament to community spirit and youth sports development in southern Belize City. For over six decades, this facility has served as a critical recreational hub for generations of young athletes. However, the field now faces an uncertain future as its longtime caretaker prepares to retire.
Bernard “Dubu” Thomas, the field’s dedicated guardian, has revealed the tremendous personal sacrifices he has made to maintain the playing grounds. Using his entire salary from the sports council and countless hours of manual labor, Thomas has single-handedly kept the facility operational despite receiving minimal external support.
As Thomas approaches retirement later this year, he has issued an urgent plea to sports authorities and community stakeholders. “Nobody contribute nothing to this playground here, only Bernard ‘Dubu’ Thomas,” he stated emotionally. “I make a salary from sport council. All my money goh pan this football field, all.”
The caretaker outlined specific needs including structural repairs to bleachers, gate maintenance, lighting improvements requiring three to four bulbs, and fresh paint for the facilities. Thomas expressed particular concern about the lack of response from sports ministry officials, though he emphasized he doesn’t blame individual ministers but rather systemic neglect.
Thomas’s retirement marks a critical juncture for the Iguana Street field that has nurtured athletic talent and community bonding for sixty years. His departure underscores the pressing need for institutional support mechanisms to preserve community sports infrastructure that serves underprivileged youth.
The situation highlights broader challenges facing community sports facilities in developing nations, where dedicated individuals often bridge gaps in public funding until personal resources are exhausted. As Thomas steps back, the community faces the question of whether organized systems will emerge to sustain his legacy.