Warner Park redevelopment deal signed

Another step towards the island's readiness for the Cricket World Cup 2007 was taken with the signing of a reconstruction deal between the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis and the Trinidadian company, Terra Forma, to commence work shortly to upgrade Warner Park to a modern cricketing facility.

The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday, August 12th.

Acting Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor signed on behalf of the local government, while Valmiki Kempadoo, Managing Director, signed on behalf of Terra Forma. The signing was witnessed by the Minister of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports, Hon Jacinth Henry-Martin.

Managing Director Kempadoo promised a world-class facility and said his company was pleased to be in such a significant undertaking. He said he also saw the reconstruction project as a huge opportunity for the country in its aim to host cricket matches after the 2007 Cricket World Cup, and other events.

Acting Prime Minister Condor also expressed pleasure at the signing of the deal which is geared toward preparing the Federation for the largest sporting event the country and the region have ever seen.

"This thing is not just about cricket. In fact, it goes beyond the boundary," the acting Prime Minister said, as he anticipated an upgraded Warner Park's contribution to the development of St. Kitts & Nevis.

He extended high commendations to all who have worked and are working tirelessly to ensure that the Federation is ready for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

The Sports Minister outlined that the Warner Park redevelopment project is just a phase of an overall sporting facility development plan. A multipurpose facility at Bird Rock will accommodate basketball, volleyball and tennis. Besides the cricket facility, the Warner Park redevelopment project will also include a 400m track and a football field.

"Facilities will only harness greater energies, inspire greater hope and motivate those who move have not already produced to move on to achieve the international acclaim for them," Minister Martin said.

Other local officials witnessing the historic ceremony included the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Justice, Hon. Delano Bart; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr Lloyd Lazar; Crown Counsel, Mr Stephen Hector; and Mr Stanley Franks Jnr, President of the St. Kitts Cricket Association.

St. Kitts & Nevis is one of eight regional islands identified as host countries for matches for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.