Minister of Youth, Sport, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith says there has been progress on key sports facilities across Barbados and has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating multi-purpose venues for various sports.
Despite facing delays due to weather and structural challenges, he revealed these projects remain on track.
Griffith, speaking to members of the media on the sidelines of a press conference to announce the plans for the finals of the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup to be played at the Kensington Oval on November 30, shared updates on the netball stadium, which is being developed to support not only netball but also two additional sports.
He noted that the construction process has faced obstacles, particularly due to adverse weather conditions.
“I think the rain would have impacted on the progress because where the footings for the columns were going were constantly being flooded because of the rain,” he explained. “So it put a delay in terms of our timelines because they had to wait until the weather was appropriate for them to go and continue the construction work.”
In addition to weather-related delays, the minister explained that unforeseen issues required remedial work inside the facility. “We had to do some remedial work on the internal side of it as well because we were just looking at the covering of the stadium and the floor,” he said. “But we realised that termites would have had a significant impact in terms of all of the inside of that facility.”
Despite these challenges, Griffith remains optimistic, indicating that the government is committed to addressing these issues comprehensively to ensure the facility’s long-term usability.
He also addressed the anticipated redevelopment of the Barbados National Stadium, a project in partnership with Chinese counterparts. The redevelopment includes a complete demolition of the current structure before new construction begins.
“The national stadium… we are working with the Chinese still. And they’re just waiting now to come to Barbados, I believe, to start the process,” Griffith confirmed. “So work is ongoing. We’re constantly in contact to find out if there’s any issues. There are none really now. So it’s just now for them to come to the island and start the process.”
Asked whether the Chinese team’s arrival would mean immediate demolition, he confirmed, “Yes, when they reach, it will be a case where the demolition of the existing structure will happen. And we will do what is necessary then for them to be able to start their work.” However, no specific timeline has been provided, with Griffith noting only that “it is a very, very advanced project, even at this time.”
In response to enquiries about adapting the cricket stadium, Kensington Oval, for football, he explained that regular football events at the cricket venue are not currently planned, citing concerns about field maintenance.
“Yes, we are still exploring the possibility,” the minister said. “But this is a cricket stadium. And predominantly cricket. Obviously so. So, it is a case where if football is played on a regular at this location, it will cause problems to the outfield. No doubts about it.”
While the government is open to exploring options for occasional football matches, Griffith clarified, “A one-off is not going to damage it to the extent where they will have to rest it for a period of maybe three, four months. So, we are seeing what can happen. But right now, I don’t think it is one of those locations that we will print a mark for regular use as far as sports is concerned.”
