“The dream has become a reality” screams Neita-Headley

Photo: Milton Samuda, Chairman Sabina Park Holdings Ltd, H K Mahon Charge d’Affairs, High Commissioner of India, Hon. Natalie Neita Headley, Minister with Responsibility for Sport, Onieka Miller, Permanent Secretary.

The Government of Jamaica has received the final installment of grant funding from the Government of India for the Sabina Park Lighting Project. Floodlights are being installed at the Park to allow for the hosting of night matches. Hon. Natalie Neita Headley, Minister with Responsibility for Sport who received the cheque on behalf of the Government said the country is very grateful for this assistance which will help to reignite the level of interest in the sport, while delivering on the Government’s commitment to improving Jamaica’s sport infrastructure.

“We have been a strong cricketing nation for a very long time and Sabina Park has been our premier venue for cricket. We are therefore very pleased that as a result of our friendship with India we are able to be the beneficiaries of such a generous gift to the people of Jamaica,” said Minister Neita Headley.

The payment of US$1,330,000 was handed over by H.K. Mohan, Charge d’ Affaires, High Commission of India at Jamaica House today (Thursday, July 10).

“This is a very historic moment for us and we believe that with the marketing strategy to be employed by Sabina Park Holding, the venue will not just be used for cricket; it will be a centre for entertainment,” said Minister Neita Headley.

Minister Neita Headley added that the project which was launched on April 1, 2014 and is being supervised by the Urban Development Corporation as Project Managers has been progressing steadily and should be completed by the end of July.

Mr Mohan in his remarks said that the Indian Government is very pleased to fulfill its promise by providing the final installment. “Jamaica is a great sporting nation and with this gift, it will be able to further the enhancement of sport for the people.”

“The dream has become a reality,” a beaming Neita-Headley said after the handing over of the cheque as Jamaica will now joins the other countries in the region who are currently hosting night cricket

The total cost of the project is valued at US$2.7 million. Of that sum, the Indian Government has contributed US$2.1 million and the rest provided by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).