BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Minister of Sports the Hon. Glen Phillip has identified an indoor basketball facility - in addition to the facilities already in existence - as an instrument to attract sports tourism in the Federation.
Speaking at the government’s ‘Conversation for Progress’ town hall meeting held last night (Jul. 30) at the St. Peter’s Community Centre, the Minister disclosed that an indoor basketball facility was high on his agenda since he entered public office.
In recent months, plans have been set in motion to refurbish the existing basketball facility – known as Basketball City, located at Victoria Road. This includes the instalment of new bleachers, the construction of dressing rooms and placement of a roof.
Minister Phillip explained that the Ministry of Sports is looking beyond just the placement of a roof over the existing facility, but towards the construction of a new indoor facility that can function as a tool of sports tourism.
“The facility we are thinking about is not just putting a roof over the current basketball structure. What we have to realise if we are looking at sports tourism, having a facility is not just for local consumption. It has to have a local and regional flavour where it now can attract colleges and teams out of the US, UK and neighbouring countries.”
Phillip stated that he is working on getting such a facility constructed.
“We are working… I am working with my Cabinet colleagues. A month ago the Prime Minister asked me what are we doing in getting this facility. We are putting it as part of our budget to start that facility as quickly as possible.”
He added that plans are also in the making for the construction of a swimming facility.
“Sometimes when I am fielded these questions I am happy. I have been elected for four years and over that four years I think that the expectation for myself and my Ministry is tremendous.
“Some will say we need an indoor basketball facility some will say we need a pool. We are working to all of these but we have a specific plan in place because all these things have to come at a cost and so we have to budget for these things in the future. And I am not trying to put my Cabinet colleagues on the spot but I am going to need their support to get some of these things done.”
