PREPARATIONS of stadia to be used for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled for September 5-25 here is causing some concern.
At a press conference at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs office on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, Minister Anil Roberts disclosed that Cabinet has approved $81 million which is expected to bring the facilities — the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the Ato Boldon Stadium, the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Larry Gomes Stadium and the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet Tobago, up to a respectable standard to embrace the world.
However, Roberts made it clear that while work will have to be done expeditiously, his government will ensure that a good job is done.
As such, Roberts gave the assurance that work will be completed at the major sporting facilities with just about three weeks to go before the start of the competition.
The facilities were expected to receive a much needed facelift under the People’s National Movement (PNM) government for the first-time Caribbean Games which was scheduled for July 2009.
Roberts said $108 million had been approved by the PNM government but to date no work was done. The games also never came off.
In addition he (Roberts) also said that no word was given on where monies for this upgrade went to.
He pointed out that his government will take its time in doing a good job on the facilities.
“Major lighting and seating work are needed as well as work on the media centre at the facilities,” Roberts said.
Meanwhile, a team has been appointed by the ministry to assist in the marketing and promotion of the TT Under-17. tournament Roberts said interviews, advertisements and promotions will be done on every member of the team and made available to the media.