Installation of Floodlights at Sabina Park to be Completed This Month

Minister with responsibility for Sports, Hon. Natalie Neita Headly, says that work to install flood lights at Sabina Park is progressing steadily and is on scheduled to be completed by the end of July.

She was speaking during a brief ceremony at Jamaica House on Thursday, July 10, where the Indian Government handed over US$1.33 million for the project, representing the second and final installment of a sum of US$2.1 million.

The Government of Jamaica signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India in April, to provide the financial support. The first tranche of US$770,000 was released shortly thereafter. The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is providing a grant of US$600,000 to cover the rest of the US$2.7 million project contract.

Minister Neita Headley expressed appreciation for the assistance from India. She noted that Sabina Park is the country’s premier venue for cricket and the provision of the lighting will ensure that it can accommodate night matches.

“Many persons at this time are interested in the shorter version of the game and we are a working population, which I believe, at this time prefers evening into night games,” she stated.

Charge d’Affaires at the Indian High Commission, H.K. Mohan, who handed over the funds, said that the installation of the lights will “lead to the enhancement of sport and enjoyment for the people of Jamaica.”

“The Government and people of India will share the joy on the completion of this,” Mr. Mohan said.

Installation of the floodlights is expected to boost revenue for the owners and operators of the park, not only for the staging of night matches but for other entertainment events.

The improvements will also further position Jamaica as a sports tourism destination.