By Samuel Peters
The constant lament for sporting facilities in the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda will be somewhat lessened, as the public is expected to see the addition of a new facility located at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
It was announced on Friday that the TFA Athletic Club would be constructed by the Q5 Emerging Markets Fund with the expectation of being built in four phases and completed over a period of four years.
During the ground-breaking ceremony, the Minister responsible for Sports, Education and Creative Industries, Hon Daryll Matthew highlighted the significant progress in Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting infrastructural development and emphasized several key achievements and upcoming projects.
A major focus of the interview was the launch of a new multi-sports facility in the vicinity of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The development will include mini-golf, paddle ball courts, an aquatic center and a gym which will cater to both sports and tourism enthusiasts.
Matthew underscored that the facility is designed to benefit both tourists and local residents, stating: “The tourists come and they leave, but we live here.”
The Minister used the opportunity to point out some of the initiatives that he has proposed have come to fruition, including the success of the Falcons franchise in the CPL competition and its positive impact on opportunities for young Antiguans and Barbudans and the successful relocation of the Leeward Islands Cricket Board to Antigua (LICB), and the Cabinet’s recent approval for the Antigua Recreation Grounds to be used as the LICB’s official practice venue.
Addressing concerns about the facility’s accessibility, Matthew dismissed suggestions of exclusivity, noting that with 40,000 cars in a population of about 100,000 residents, transportation should not be a hindrance to access.
The Minister also revealed plans for additional sporting facilities, but emphasised his preference for announcing projects only when they are ready to commence, while acknowledging that the various phases of development, from planning to construction, must be completed before ground-breaking can occur.
“If we’re able to build supporting infrastructure that can accommodate our athletes, our tourism product, and our entertainment sector while supporting the very existence of the stadium, it’s a win for everybody,” Matthew concluded.
