Buccament Bay Resort opens a cricket practicing facility

A cricket practicing facility was officially opened last Friday, March 9 at the Buccament Bay Resort.{{more}}

Dave Ames, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Harlequin said that the facility was among the best in the region and was built at a cost of US$1 million.

It is expected that the facility will be an integral part of an agreement between the management at Buccament Bay Resort and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to facilitate a cricket academy.

According to Ames, ten local schools are expected to benefit from the project.

“We are going to work with the West Indies Cricket Board to improve the standard of cricket…the West Indies aren’t having the best of times and we are looking to the future,” he said.

Harlequin’s CEO further explained that it was always the intention of the company to not just build a 5 star resort, but to give something back to the local communities.

“What we are trying to do here is build the best facilities and not just for the hotel, but for the local people as well.”

Particularly as the company is investing in a country with very few sporting facilities, Ames said that they have formed partnerships with some of the best.

Partners such as Liverpool Football Club, Pat Cash tennis, recently announced partner the WICB and soon Gary Player in golf.

“We have some of the best brands in the world,” Ames contended.

Cecil ‘Ces’ McKie, Minister of Sport, visited the facility last Friday and commended the resort’s management for the work done to help develop sport in the country.

The facility was also unveiled just as the West Indies and Australian teams arrive in the country to do battle in three One Day Internationals at the Arnos Vale playing field, which gets underway today.

“It is an exciting site down here. I am sure that both teams will also be impressed with the facility,” McKie said.

He added that having the facility may ensure that St Vincent and the Grenadines will be considered to host games in future tours.

McKie also told members of the media that among the initial discussions with the management team at Harlequin was the issue of sports tourism.

“And that is why you are seeing so many various sporting facilities around,” he said.

McKie also noted that both sides were mindful of the importance to incorporate the community, including the schools, into what was going on at the resort. (DD)