In an amicable sitting of the Anguilla House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 28th, Opposition Member Mr. Merrick Richardson posed several questions to the Hon. Minister of Sports, Mr. Cardigan Connor including one on the multi-purpose sporting facility in Blowing Point, which had been initiated by the former administration, but which have been lying dormant without any progress for several months.
Concerning this multi-purpose sports facility, Mr. Connor answered that due to the donor funding of US$300,000 being exhausted, work on the project was halted, the structure remains incomplete, and it is not suitable for use.
He further stated that even under the Anguilla Progressive Movement administration, concerns were flagged by the technical staff that even with the US$300,000 donation, Government would have been in a great deficit of over US$500,000 plus the estimated annual maintenance cost of US$25,000 to bring the development of the facility to a functional stage.
Besides, Mr. Connor said that the height and width of the current structure does not meet international standards for competitive basketball. He said that the structure must therefore be demolished and replaced to enable the hosting of regional or international tournaments.
Mr. Connor apprized the House that the Department of Sports has since engaged B7 Global Inc. LLC, a California USA-based company, which is a specialized firm with a proven track record in delivering innovative steel and structural solutions worldwide.
The Minister indicated that the company will supply an outdoor basketball court covering the steel-frame, flooring, seating and basketball rims. Two consultants will be also deployed to oversee the onsite installation process.
He said the cost of the steel-frame structure will be US$215,000. A part payment of 50% must be paid down as a deposit to initiate production; then a 35% must be paid upon shipment; and the remaining 15% must be paid when the structure material arrives on the island.
He said the material is expected to arrive in Anguilla within eight weeks from the date of shipment.
He also noted that preliminary works, including the demolition of the existing structure and an extension of the court floor will be conducted through the procurement process to be overseen by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
