BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Warner Park Cricket Stadium is set to light the way for night cricket in the region following a commissioning ceremony at the venue last evening (Mar. 6).
After ten months of hard work to light the facility, it culminated with a classy ceremony that took place in the dark and featured a fire works, and cultural displays. And when the lights finally came on it was accepted with tremendous applause from the hundreds who had gathered to witness the historic occasion.
Minister of Sports Glen Phillip, in giving remarks at the ceremony, declared that St. Kitts and Nevis can lead the way is setting lighting standard throughout the region.
“The WICB has been seeking significant investment to meet international lighting standards in the region. As the smallest of all the venues, we believe that we can literally and figuratively light the way knowing that the economic impact on this investment would be significant for the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“It is only a matter of time when all international matches will allow for a day/night format.”
He added that the new upgrades at Warner Park would put the facility in an elite group of sporting facilities and the best in the Western Hemisphere.
“We have come tonight to commission a new phase at Warner Park. One that not only puts our country on par with the rest of the world but one that puts us in an elite category of best sporting venues the world over.
“Tonight we commission the best cricket sporting lighting and video system in the entire Western Hemisphere.”
Phillip was also of the opinion that Warner Park has set the bar for sports venues in the Caribbean.
“Having commissioned these upgrades at Warner Park, tonight raises the bar in sports facilities...in the West Indies. We must ensure to capitalise on the significant activities that will come.”
The West Indies Cricket Board’s director - Jennifer Nero of St. Kitts and Nevis - delivered the remarks from the WICB President Dave Cameron who could not be present for the event.
Cameron described the achievement as another step for cricket in the region and in the Federation.
“This evening’s ceremony is a huge step for cricket on the island, cricket in the Leewards and West Indies cricket as well.
“Warner Park is already among the main venues for West Indies Cricket and the addition of modern lights will be a huge lift for the country and the game.”
He also congratulated all who were involved in making this dream a reality.
Cameron said he was pleased with the upgrades and declared that the milestone is a new step for cricket on St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Warner Park has a rich history and we are pleased that the government and the authorities have put an investment in the refurbishment, development and upliftment of the venue.
“We believe this will signal a new beginning for cricket on the island. It will give player a taste of what the future holds as the game continues to evolve and will be a massive event for the spectators.”
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin also gave his comments about the upgrades.
“The new lighting will add tremendously to the relaxation and enjoyment of us all in this country because we will now be able to attend and enjoy a vast array of sporting activities.”
He added that the facility would place St. Kitts and Nevis on a different level to the rest of the world.
“This new system will move our Federation to a completely different level in the world of international sports, which will result in a dramatic boost in St. Kitts-Nevis sports tourism. It will produce new and improved revenue streams to the vast array of businesses, service providers, taxi drivers restaurant and others.”
The evening also featured performance by Mr. Hype, Okolo Tegremante, Masqurades and Youth Drum Core.
