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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
Nassau, Bahamas – Upon completion, the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium will accrue “economic benefits” for The Bahamas and provide opportunities for sports tourism and to host international events, trade shows and exhibitions, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, said on Saturday, September 5, 2009.
Mr. Bannister gave remarks during the
official visit of His Excellency Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing
Committee of the National People’s Congress of The People’s Republic
of China, to the construction site of the national stadium at the Queen
Elizabeth Sports Centre.
His Excellency Wu Bangguo ended a four-day
visit to The Bahamas on Sunday, September 6. Mr. Wu was accompanied
by a 120-plus delegation, including His Excellency Li Jianguo, Vice
Chairman of the National People’s Congress, and 19 journalists.
Government officials in attendance included
the Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; the Hon. Tommy
Turnquest, Minster of National Security; the Hon. Lawrence Cartwright,
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources; the Hon. Charles Maynard,
Minister of State for Culture; Anita Bernard, Secretary to the Cabinet;
Her Excellency Elma Campbell, Resident Ambassador of the Commonwealth
of The Bahamas to the People’s Republic of China; Archie Nairn, Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; and Mr. Joshua
Sears, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also present were executives of various
local sporting organizations, former and present elite athletes, Thomas
A. Robinson, chairman of the National Stadium Committee, and members
of the Chinese working team.
Mr. Bannister described the day as a
“very significant milestone” in the lives of athletes and Bahamians
everywhere.
“It is significant for federations and associations in the sports environment because you can look forward to the completion of a brand new world class facility that will play a pivotal role in the further development of junior and elite athletes,” said the Minister.
He revealed that the 15,000-seat “state-of-the-art”
stadium is scheduled to be completed in early 201l and will have the
capacity to be expanded to accommodate 23,000 seats.
It will be equipped with track and field
and soccer facilities, massage rooms, office space and other amenities,
including properly equip training rooms and media facilities, said the
Minister.
Mr. Bannister relayed the Government’s
appreciation to the People’s Republic of China and expressed satisfaction
with the quality of work being carried out on the stadium by the Qilu
Construction Group Corporation.
“I can assure you that our young people, who will be the major beneficiaries, will be able to improve their skills and to perform more competitively on the world stage as a result of this facility.
“The company’s level of productivity
is unsurpassed and its use of advanced technology has allowed the project
to progress beyond our expectations,” he said.
He described the working relationship
with the employees of the construction company as “harmonious”.
“Both sides clearly understand the
need to move this project forward as far as practicable to avoid delays.
“Mr. Robinson is a national hero of
The Bahamas and it is quite appropriate that the national stadium will
bear his name,” Mr. Bannister said.
Mr. Bannister said The Bahamas Government
will assist the People’s Republic of China and Qilu Construction Group
Corporation with the continued development of the national stadium and
will continue the cordial working relationship for the duration of the
project.
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