Bowleg: $10 million stadium repairs to be completed before World Relays | Bahamas Daily

By Chloee Deveaux
Journal Contributor

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Ballegue said the $10 million stadium renovation project would
Completed before the 2024 IAAF World Relays and 2024 CARIFTA Games swimming events
championship.
“Both contractors have given deadlines to complete both facilities so that we
Conduct pre-test events before the main event. They promised to do this
We have to make sure the facilities are ready anyway, so now it’s just a matter of waiting and
If you’re going there now for more than 12 hours a day or eight hours a day trying to get the facility running,
It’s ready,” Bowleg said on the House floor on Wednesday.
Thomas Robinson Stadium and Betty Kelly Kenning Aquatic Center
Repairs are ongoing throughout the year and the total cost of renovations to both facilities is estimated at $10
million.
Minister Ballage detailed the repairs to Thomas Robinson Stadium, explaining why
High costs.
“The first thing they have to do at this stage is to try to get rid of the West and the East.
The stands on the roof, of course, and Mondo (sports and flooring) come in
Repair the tracks. We seem to be on track for the World Relays at the moment.
It will be held on May 4 and 5, and will also feature Betty Kenning at the CARIFTA Swim
(champion),” Bowleg said.
Minister Ballage mentioned the assistance provided by the Chinese government and the initial 30
Thomas A. Robinson Stadium is a multi-million dollar investment.
Earlier this year, Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas Dai Qingli supported China
Committed to renovating the stadium, further showing that they also care about maintenance
Stadium. China appears to have delivered on its promise, as Minister Ballage said
Chinese investors “have sent some workers to carry out restoration work locally.”
Although the renovations and upcoming events will boost the orange economy, critics
The former finance minister, Kwasi Thompson, has publicly stated that
His concerns and opposition to the $10 million budget.