Zhang Sheng, General Manager Assistant, Shanxi Construction Engineering (Group) Corp., presents the Ceremonial Handover key to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Stephen Lashley, to signal the completion of the recent renovations to the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, during an official ceremony yesterday.
From left to right: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Stephen Lashley and Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, Her Excellency Wang Ke, share a laugh with National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, yesterday, during the official handover of the recently renovated Garfield Sobers Complex.
Twenty-seven years after being first unveiled to the public of Barbados, the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium was once again placed in the hands of the people of the island. After being closed for almost 18 months for renovations by the government of the People’s Republic of China, the island’s premier indoor sports and cultural venue was officially handed over to the government of Barbados.
Being closed and handed over to the Chinese government back in March last year, the Gymnasium’s renovations were projected to be completed in a 15-month time frame by the Shanxi Construction Engineering (Group) Corp. With the contractors encountering an unforeseen circumstance, work was forcibly postponed by five months. However, the same deadline was met within 11 months to see the facility ready in time for CARIFESTA XIII, which was held in Barbados over the past few days.
A price tag of BDS$19 million, funded by the Chinese government, has seen the facility sporting, among other things, a new multi-purpose floor, a solar photovoltaic system, new electrical, lighting, surveillance and air conditioning systems; and repairs to the roof and balcony areas.
Speaking during an official handover ceremony yesterday, Chinese Ambassador to Barbados Her Excellency Wang Ke stated that the Gymnasium served to symbolise a strong bond between the two countries.
“The project commenced in October 1990 and was completed in July of 1992. Ever since then, the Gymnasium has become Barbados’ main indoor and multi-faceted facility for sports as well as many cultural and social activities. It is not only an important landmark on this beautiful island, but testimony of the friendship between China and Barbados,” she said.
Echoing her sentiments, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth Stephen Lashley said that the bilateral agreement between the two continued to augur well for Barbados, as numerous advancements had been made over the years.
“Our records show that it was some 31 years ago, May 16, 1986 to be exact, that China committed to the construction of this Gymnasium with the signing of the China Aid agreement. This agreement has been pivotal in Barbados’ developmental efforts, particularly in the areas of sports and culture; and Barbados continues to be appreciative of the accrued benefits,” Lashley said. (MP)