BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MINISTER of Sports Hon. Glenn Phillip has highlighted a number of successes the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis achieved during the past year.
In his Budget presentation in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr. 9), Phillip made mention of the Federation’s ability to host international sports events.
“Mr. Speaker, last year we hosted three One Day International Cricket matches between West Indies and New Zealand. We also hosted the West Indies Women’s team for One Day and Twenty20 matches versus Sri Lanka and South Africa.”
He also spoke to the football tournaments hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis during last year.
“Mr. Speaker, St. Kitts and Nevis successfully hosted the Caribbean Football Union Under-23 Finals along with the Caribbean Cup Group Stage matches last year.”
Phillip also made mention of a number projects that his Ministry is looking to implement.
“Mr. Speaker, at this time we are looking at the possibility of lighting the Warner Park facility (cricket) so that we can increase not only our sports tourism but also develop the sport of cricket within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He further spoke of another project that they have successfully completed.
“Mr. Speaker, we also have to look back at the resurfacing of the Silver Jubilee track, and that had become very important to us. “
He said the track was still under warranty and for some reason it was degraded and had some issues.
“As a matter of fact, there was a thought that nothing was wrong with the track. We had experts coming here to investigate to take samples and they said nothing, but in front of our very eyes the track was breaking up. And so the Ministry and myself had to intervene and one of the things we told the company is that here in St. Kitts we have top class, world class athletes and they need the same training facility or have access to the same training facility like persons anywhere else in the world.
“And so I am pleased to report to this honourable house that we have gotten a track and the track has been replaced.”
The Minister of Sports commended those athletes who performed considerably well during the last annum.
“Our 14 and Under Netball team travelled to St. Vincent to participate in a tournament and won all the matches, and I would like to publicly congratulate all those young women and all the athletes here in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis for performing at a high level.”
He also made mention of athletes from various sports who have progressed to collegiate ranks to develop their ability.
