Construction At St. Peter’s Sports Complex
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
February 19, 2009 (SKNIS)
Residents of St. Peter’s are anxiously awaiting the opening of their renovated sporting complex which has been expanded and upgraded with a number of features that make it possible to stage sporting events at top class levels.
The project started sometime ago as a self help initiative led by Parliamentary Representative, Honourable Cedric Liburd and constituents, with support from various companies including LIME and The Cable. Along with governmental contributions and financial support from the Republic of China (Taiwan) Phase 1 was completed in 2008 and saw the construction of a pavilion complete with bar, change rooms and commentary booth.
In Phase 2, additions were done to the netball court. The lighting and fencing of the sporting complex and the expansion of the playing field by 33 percent of the original size to accommodate hardball cricket matches are currently underway. Parking for approximately 50 vehicles, the addition of a play area for younger children and covering of the bleachers attached to the pavilion are to be constructed.
Minister of State responsible for Sports, Honourable Richard Skerritt and Parliamentary Representative for the area, Honourable Cedric Liburd recently toured the ground and expressed pleasure with the ongoing transformation.
Minister Liburd told SKNIS that the changes are designed to offer locals the opportunity to sharpen their sporting skills and create a family atmosphere for community events staged there. He said the needs of constituents played a critical role in the renovations.
“As parliamentary representative, I don’t go and tell people what I will do for them,” he stressed. “They sit with me in meetings and discuss what they want. I will then take it to the technicians in government and we will [explore] how feasible it is to execute.”
That type of interactive engagement was evident when work on the field prevented the community football team from practicing at the facility. Minister Liburd made alternative arrangements for the team to use an area at Douglas Estate.
“I believe that if I can continue to provide the [sporting] environment for our young people, it is possible that one our two of our players can go on to be regional and international players,” he noted.
The constituency representative thanked the Ministry of Sports, Public Works Department and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for supporting the project. He also saluted the public for its patience.