Cuthbert “Twa Ti Né” Modeste’s legacy was secured on Thursday when a strength and conditioning centre at Mindoo Philip Park was named after him. Modeste, a respected coach and mentor, is known for his outstanding contributions to athletics, youth development and the growth of sport in Saint Lucia.
The Government says that the new facility is a significant investment in athlete development and high-performance sport. Mindoo Philip Park is a multi-purpose venue where athletes train in cricket, football and athletics. The gym will give national athletes a place to train and develop their skills. The gym equipment was donated by the government of Taiwan.
Modeste, who was once an athlete himself, made his biggest impact by coaching and mentoring athletes in his Survivors Track Club. The most prominent is Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s first and only two-time Olympic medalist. Modeste also coached Olympian Jeanelle Scheper, adding to his achievements.
Alfred was among the well-wishers present at the opening ceremony. The emotional Ciceron native thanked facilitators for honouring the man she credits with keeping her connected to athletics when she was considering giving it up.
“I’m just really happy that Twa Ti Né is getting his flowers,” she said. “Just seeing how much he has poured into the youth and the future generation of Saint Lucia. I came here at the age of nine, and he’s been with me throughout every single journey of my career. Even when I wanted to give up in my career, he’s been there through every single moment. At my early age, getting global medals for Saint Lucia, he’s been there. I’m just really happy, and I want to thank all of you for just giving him his flowers while he’s still here.”
Minister for Education, Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, said the opening is “both a physical investment in our athletes and a symbolic recognition of the values that Mr Cuthbert Modeste has embodied throughout his life”.
Prime Minister and MP for Castries East, Philip J. Pierre, also praised Modeste’s work.
“Twa Ti Né is an unsung hero. He did a lot of work quietly, working with athletes, and he had the tenacity and the patience to allow people to develop,” said Pierre.
For his part, the man of the hour was brief. Modeste simply said:
“I would like to thank all those who acknowledge my objective of making little things happen. Once again, I thank everybody, and thank God. Thank you very much.”
The gym mirrors a similar facility recently instituted at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. Two trainers have been hired to manage the gym. Another one like this is set to open at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort in the coming months, supporting athlete development in the south of the island.
Perhaps Thursday’s proceedings were best summed up by remarks from Christopher Duncan, one of Twa Ti Né’s former athletes and associates at the Survivors Club, who said:
“It is often said that a prophet is not honoured in his own land; today we [proved] otherwise.”
