Work at Buccament Playing Field stalled

Equipment has been ordered, the design for the dressing room approved and other systems ready but the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) is yet to begin any physical work at the Buccament Playing Field.

That is because of a difference between the National Sports Council, the statutory body in charge of most sporting facilities in the state, and the SVGCA which received EC$270,000 last April to assist in that facility’s cricket development.{{more}}

The sticking point is that the association wants priority privileges for the use of the venue for at least seven months a year for ten years.

President of the SVGCA Julian Jack confirmed that this was indeed a bone of contention.

He however said that his association was “not trying to create another cricket ground, but provide proper facilities outside of the main grounds so that the Under-15 and Under 19 can train.”

Jack stated that the field will still be available to other sports despite the association’s sizeable input.

He said that in spite of the set backs, his association is eager on seeing the project come to a reality.

Apart from the dressing room, the association plans to add another turf wicket, a concrete practice strip as well as upgrade the outfield.

“But with cost escalating, we will have to place emphasis on the dressing room,” Jack said.

He revealed that $86,400 worth of equipment remain at Customs, which include a bowling machine, sprinklers and rollers.

The Buccament Playing Field, located in the Central Leeward constituency has been the main sporting facility for persons and schools within the environs.

This issue of exclusivity to sporting facilities here has been topical over several years, with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Association being the cheer leader, clamouring for a home for their sport.

The funds were granted to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association as part of this country’s participation in the inaugural Stanford 20/20 cricket tournament, held during July and August this year.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, like the 18 other territories which participated in the tournament received an initial $270,000 (US$100 000) for infrastructural development. An additional $486,000 (US$180,000) was granted for players’ and management stipend as well as upkeep of practice venues in preparation for the tournament.

The Stanford 20/20 tournament was financed by Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford, who has been living in Antigua and Barbuda for the past two decades.