(SportsMax) 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.
