The Hon. Minister of Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Lands, and Natural Resources, Mr. Kyle Hodge, has announced that there is now a prospect for a more feasible and convenient site for Anguilla’s official track-and- field facility.
Originally, plans were to utilize a portion of arable agricultural land in The Valley to construct the track. This area, known as The Valley Bottom, is historically noted for the cultivation of food crops year after year.
But Minister Hodge, on the Government’s radio programme “Just The Facts” on Tuesday, February 17th 2026, revealed that Government is moving forward with plans for the development of the facility at a new site – near Campus Q in the Quarter.
“As Minister of Lands, I have been privy to several documents that have been shared with me as it relates to the various parcels of land that are potentially available for the track and field,” he said. “When we came into office last year, we were met with the decision that the plot of agriculture land in The Valley was where the track would be located.”
“However, we were very [frustrated] with the decision,” he said. “It was made in 2023 when the Government did not have sufficient funds. The Government had two years to secure funding and had ample time and opportunity to consider locations beyond the agriculture grounds.”
He said that, recently, discussions were held with officials from the Anguilla Amateur Athletics Association and representatives respectively from World Athletics and MondoTrack, the company responsible for the construction of the track-and- field facility.
“Members of the Anguilla Amateur Athletics Association were happy with the direction in which the Government is going for this alternative site,” the Minister reflected, “The representatives from World Athletics were also satisfied with the selected alternative site, and they indicate that it offers room for growth.”
According to Minister Hodge, the stakeholders are pleased with the relocation plan for the newly identified site near Campus Q – noting that it is large enough to provide future expansion, unlike the initial site in The Valley Bottom.
He also stressed that Government is moving along with the plan at a steady pace.
A paper was, since, taken to Executive Council on Thursday, February 19th 2026, to initiate the process of acquiring the land. Discussions had already been held with the family members who are beneficiaries of the estate, and to date, no objections had been raised. However, Minister Hodge emphasized that a legal process must still be carefully followed before the acquisition can be finalized.
Minister Hodge reiterated that the new site does not involve the use of any agricultural land. He noted that the past proposal by the former administration would have limited future expansion and, therefore, been shortsighted.
“We would like to assure the athletes and the young people of Anguilla that we will deliver,” Minister Hodge pledged.
By: James R. Harrigan
