Kingston, 9 May 2019 – The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport today announced that Government has signed a contract with APEC Consultants in relation to the redevelopment of the National Stadium and the Trelawny Stadium. 

The Sport Minister made the announcement as she spoke at the launch function for the 2019 Racers Grand Prix which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus.

“The contract which is valued at Thirty-Million (JA$30M) is for the development of financing proposals for the redevelopment, expansion, and upgrading of these two national facilities. 

“The contract was signed under a programme facilitated by the Public Sector Investment Management Secretariat (PIMSEC) which falls under the Ministry of Finance and aims to streamline the preparation, appraisal of all Government projects to ensure that the Government receives value for money. 

“At the end of the four months for which the contract is signed, we will have a business plan and architectural design for both facilities. 

“There will be a state of the art anti-doping facility at the National Stadium and at least 10,000 more seats. The Bleachers section will also be partly covered.” 

Miss Grange said that the existing velodrome at the National Stadium will also be removed and new one built and there will also be a new Royal Box. 

She said facilities for the media will be put in with upgraded broadcast infrastructure as well as a state of the art gymnasium and meeting and conference rooms “for ongoing small events. 

“At the Trelawny Stadium, a cricket academy will be established along with a running track, a basketball arena, a baseball diamond and that facility too will have a state of the art gym. 

“The redevelopment project will bring the National Stadium and the Trelawny Stadium up to first world standards putting us in a position to demand our share of the lucrative Sports Tourism Market as well as positioning us to host major international sports events in the National Stadium. These facilities will transcend the staging of Sporting events, offering also exciting options for Festival and entertainment events. 

“So ladies and gentlemen, the Government of Jamaica remains firm in its commitment to advance the development of sport and entertainment as critical components of nation building.”  

In congratulating Racers Track Club, Miss Grange said that, “In a short four years, the reputation of the Racers Grand Prix has grown to match those of any of the major stagers of international track and field meets.
“This is not surprising because of the work that the Racers Track Club has put in to make the Grand Prix worthy of world ranking. 

The Racers Grand Prix will be held at the National Stadium on June 8.