Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 05, 2008
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and Taiwanese Ambassador His Excellency John Liu toured the future home of the 2008 CARIFTA Games at Bird Rock on Tuesday and were impressed with the level of professionalism employed by the local workforce in constructing the facility.
The tour was conducted by Wycliffe Morton Jr. the construction Project Manager of the Bird Rock athletic stadium. He was supported by the general managers of Raymore and Associates and Rock and Dirt, the two local companies constructing the Class 2 track and field facility. Other members of the touring party included Minister of State for Sports Hon. Richard Skerritt and his Permanent Secretary as well as officials from other government agencies and representatives from the local athletic association and organizing committee for the games.
Prime Minister Douglas said that the stadium’s construction by the local workforce and the hosting of the March 21 to 24 CARIFTA Games is in line with the vision of his government.
“The government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to have full confidence in its people, in particular the young people,” he stressed. “We continue to show our gratitude to people like Kim Collins for showing “¦ the world that a small country like ours can “¦ emerge on the international stage and do well with the natural talent of our athletes and provide the infrastructural support that is critically important in the further development of our people.”
Taiwanese Ambassador Liu used the opportunity to present the Prime Minister with a cheque of US $2 million to assist financing the completion of the stadium. He congratulated the government in hosting the CARIFTA Games and noted that the presence of the athletic stadium will enable the country to host other regional track and field events in the future. Ambassador Liu assured the St. Kitts and Nevis leader that his country will continue to support the development of the twin-island Federation.
Prime Minister Douglas thanked the Asian diplomat for his country’s generosity and expressing high levels of confidence in the Government and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis in hosting the athletic competition.
Appreciation was also expressed to the Public Works Department, the Local Organising Committee for the CARIFTA Games and others that contributed to the successful hosting bid and subsequent preparation for the sporting event. The Prime Minister saluted the residents of Bird Rock for their patience and understanding during the construction of the stadium.