BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - TWO of the Federation’s major infrastructures are set to undergo a facelift as renovation work on the Youth and Community Center and Basketball City are about to begin.
In January it was announced that the home of basketball in St. Kitts and Nevis would undergo a facelift that would include a roof and brand new dressing rooms.
Basketball in St. Kitts and Nevis, normally played between April and September, is often severely affected by rain which leads to postponements in schedules and delays in the completion of various leagues organised by the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Basketball Association (SKNABA).
SKNVibes contacted the Minister of Sports, Hon. Glen Phillip, who could not speak much about the upgrade of that facility but stated that the architectural drawings had been sent to Public Works and they are awaiting the cost estimates.
“We have sent the drawings to Public Works to get a cost estimates. We suppose to meet with them later this week so we can ascertain where we are in the process, and at the end of that I will have a better idea.”
While in an interview with SKNVibes, Sport General-Secretary of the SKNABA Wallis Wilkin stated that they are in discussion and that the project is on hold for the time being.
“We are still in discussion because certain things have transpired which need to be sorted…for now that is on a hold.”
The Minister of Community Development, Hon Marcella Liburd, announced in February that the Youth and Community Center on Victoria Road was scheduled to undergo a facelift in its continuation of serving the community.
In an effort to get an update about that process, SKNVibes contacted the Minister who directed this publication to the Permanent Secretary in that Ministry, Sharon Rattan. Rattan agreed to give an update but up to press time was unavailable to do so due to other commitments.
Since that announcement however, the roof of the building was removed.
The Youth and Community Centre stands on a foundation that survives from the first Government House of St. Kitts. A modern structure was placed over that and a wooden floor was built in 1978.
Since then the facility has been used for dance and martial arts and table tennis, among other activities. It also housed the Fireflies Dance School which is headed by Heidi Slack, who welcomed the renovations.
“I think the work at the center is great and I look forward to the newly-renovated center being better able to accommodate our dancers.”
She also said that her dance school had been relocated during the renovation process.
“They have gratefully accommodated us at another Community Centre.”
