BASSETERRE: Minister of Sports Samal The Hon. Duggins toured Basketball City on Tuesday to inspect ongoing renovations, part of a comprehensive government initiative to modernize the nation’s sporting infrastructure.
Since taking office in 2022, the administration has systematically addressed deteriorating conditions at national sporting facilities.
“Unfortunately, what we would have met is a situation where every single national sporting facility would have been in horrible condition,” Duggins explained during the tour.
The government has implemented a phased approach due to budget constraints, starting with cricket facilities ahead of international tournaments, followed by netball, football, and the Kim Collins National Athletic Facility. Basketball City represents the final phase of this ambitious renovation program.
Player safety emerged as a critical concern driving the project. “I’ve also seen in the old facility where players got damaged because this facility was not to the right standard. And as a minister, I could not sit by and allow that to continue to happen,” Duggins stated.
The upgraded facility aims to enhance experiences for both athletes and fans. Basketball draws hundreds of spectators regularly, and the minister emphasized the importance of creating better viewing conditions while prioritizing player safety and performance.
“We recognize that our young are seeking advancement through sports,” Duggins said, highlighting the broader developmental goals behind the infrastructure investments.
The renovations reflect the government’s commitment to supporting athletic excellence and providing safe, world-class venues for St. Kitts and Nevis athletes to train and compete.