Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 19, 2008 (SKNIS)
Athletes and sports enthusiasts in St. Peter’s and nearby areas will soon be able to enjoy upgraded facilities at the community sporting complex.
At a ceremony on Tuesday, Taiwanese Ambassador His Excellency John Liu delivered a cheque for just under US $400,000.00 to fence the ground and to enhance the lighting and seating features at the St. Peter’s Sporting Complex. These upgrades are to be completed under phase two of a rehabilitation project.
Phase one saw the construction of a pavilion which will offer covered seating, dressing rooms, a bar and toilet facilities when completed. The Republic of China (Taiwan) also assisted with this phase with a donation of US $230,000.00.
Parliamentary Representative for the area Honourable Cedric Liburd told the students of the Dean Glasford Primary School and other residents who attended the ceremony that he was delighted to fulfill his promise to offer positive developmental tools to constituents.
While highlighting the multipurpose use of the facility, by persons of all ages, Minister Liburd explained that “the sporting complex is an investment in the people of St. Peter’s.” He said: “I am really proud that we have a friend in the Ambassador; and the Taiwanese Government which has come forward to help us to complete this project.”
The parliamentary representative added that his Government is keenly aware of the lucrative benefits of sports in shaping well rounded individuals, promoting discipline and teamwork and offering scholarship opportunities for student athletes to gain university education. He said that they will continue to upgrade sporting facilities around the island and aid youth development programmes.
Minister Liburd noted that Taiwan has also agreed to provide scholarships for five high school students from the area attending local institutions. The Minister saluted the Government and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for being such good friends to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Ambassador Liu, “you came, you saw the need, and you assisted,” said Minister Liburd while expressing gratitude to the Asian diplomat. He told the outgoing Ambassador, that he has left an indelible impression in the hearts and minds of residents and wished him and his family well.