Jamaica’s Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, has confirmed that funds have been earmarked for upgrading the floodlights at Sabina Park, ensuring the historic venue is ready to host the anticipated day/night Test match between West Indies and Australia in July.
Speaking with Sportsmax.TV after the launch of the Melbourne Cricket Club/Purewater 5K Run/Walk at Melbourne Cricket Club in Kingston on Wednesday, Minister Grange outlined the government’s plan to advance funds through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) to facilitate the project. However, she also revealed that administrative issues surrounding Sabina Park’s ownership structure must be resolved before the upgrade can proceed smoothly.
Minister Grange explained that discussions have already taken place with the Minister of Finance to ensure that the funds advanced by the SDF will be reimbursed. However, the complex ownership structure of Sabina Park, split between the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and Kingston Cricket Club (KCC), has presented some challenges.
"We are going to advance the funds through the Sports Development Foundation, the deposit. I've had discussions with the Minister of Finance who will reimburse those funds. However, I don't know if you're aware of the issues regarding Sabina Park Holdings and the Kingston Cricket Club and the JCA where there is no proper entity functioning now with whom we would sign an agreement."
Sabina Park is currently jointly owned and managed by Sabina Park Holdings (SPH), an entity formed by the JCA and KCC. The KCC holds ownership of the field and benefits from revenue generated from cricket and football matches, while the JCA owns the George Headley Stand and the North Stand. However, SPH is in the process of being disbanded, leaving uncertainty around how infrastructure investments, such as the lighting upgrade, should be managed.
Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President Dr. Donovan Bennett revealed to Sportsmax.TV that the cost to install the new lights at Sabina Park could amount to JMD $75 million.
Dr. Bennett also stated that the JCA has until June to have the lights installed, focused, and tested ahead of the crucial July Test match. While the timeline may appear tight, he remains optimistic that with all stakeholders aligned, the upgrade can be completed on schedule.
Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, Minister Grange assured that the government is moving as quickly as possible to ensure the project remains on schedule.
"So we have to tidy that up because the grounds belong to Kingston Cricket Club, the boxes belong to Jamaica Cricket Association, the titles on the land are splintered, and if we're going to invest in infrastructure there, then we're going to have to tidy up that situation. Tidying it up won't delay the process of making the deposit, but we have to come to some understanding in order for us to go through the process. It's very important, and there are certain rules in place that the government has to observe."
Minister Grange added that her Permanent Secretary, Deanroy Bernard, is leading negotiations to ensure all necessary paperwork is in order before moving forward.
"That’s the only thing that’s delaying it a little. We would have made a deposit already, but we are in touch with the president, and my Permanent Secretary, Deanroy Bernard, who is responsible for special projects and legacy projects, is the one dealing with the negotiations and making sure that the paperwork is proper."
The West Indies’ home series against Australia will be a historic occasion, marking the first time the teams will play a day/night Test at Sabina Park. With modern floodlights a necessity for staging pink-ball cricket, the upgrades must be completed well ahead of July to ensure the venue is ready.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Minister Grange has emphasized that the government is committed to working swiftly to resolve the outstanding issues.
"We are going to move as speedily as we can because we recognize that we need those lights in time for July."