Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (centre) signs the contract for the ICC WI 2007 World Cup Cricket at Sabina Park yesterday. Others involved in the process (from left) are Dr. Wayne Reid, chairman Jamaica Cricket 2007 Limited, Michael Vasciannie (attorney, Jamaica Cricket 2007 Limited), Donald Ellis (director, deputy
general manager Ashtrom) and Benny Goildstein, general manager, Ashtrom.
-Junior Dowie photo
Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
ASHTROM BUILDING Systems Limited, whose headquarters is based in Israel, will start the
$1.2 billion (US$18.8m) phase one
reconstruction of Sabina Park on Monday, following the signing of the contract and ground-breaking ceremony yesterday.
This first phase is scheduled for completion by May, to facilitate the South Africa tour. Phase two is slated to begin in June 2005 and be completed 11 months later in May 2006, in time for the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup (ICC CWC) West Indies 2007.
The contract was signed between Ashtrom Ltd. and the government, represented by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who then broke ground at Sabina Park to officially start the process yesterday.
BIGGEST CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
Benny Goldstein, general manager of Ashtrom, said his company deserves the contract because currently they are "the biggest construction business in the island" and have been around since 1969.
"We have the capacity and we'll show that we are able to accomplish it on time with quality. It should be a local company and we are a local company," Goldstein told The Gleaner.
Patterson pointed out that the contract will be funded from the public coffers at a time when competition is fierce for public revenue, but he had no difficulty in securing the funds.
"I had little difficulty in persuading the minister of finance to make the necessary provisions. This decision was taken by the Cabinet and we think it is necessary and a timely investment."
WILL GENERATE INVESTMENT
According to the prime minister, this activity will generate substantial investment and will not only benefit the people in cricket but the adjoining communities, in which the government will be upgrading homes to accommodate the expected overflow of tourists.
The prime minister also said recently there has been a great deal of talk about lighting of candles "but I am not going there."
"I am simply saying a spark from Sabina Park will ignite in a positive way the redevelopment, rebirth and the growth not only in this area, but of Kingston".
Following an open bidding and assessment process, Jamaica was one of eight Caribbean territories selected to host an event package in the World Cup.
Jamaica was awarded the Yellow Package which requires the staging of the opening ceremony, six first-round matches and a semi-final match.
The opening ceremony will be held at the new stadium to be constructed at the 'Greenfield' site on the Florence Hall
property in Trelawny. In order to qualify for this event, Greenfield will have to provide:
25,000 seats in a stadium or entertainment facility.
Provision of the necessary broadcaster and media components.
Provision of event operations for
security, ticketing and entry and egress standards.
Pre-event staging facilities for participation and performers.
The six first round matches and a semi-final will be played at Sabina Park and as such, it has to be renovated to meet the required standards of:
A minimum seating of 15,000.
Preferred seating of 20,000.
A minimum of four pitches and an outfield which meets ICC minimum standards for new cricket grounds.
High quality facilities for players, officials and media.
Phase one of the project will see the current parking area below the George Headley Stand converted to a new spectator concourse with new bathrooms and concessions.
Two rows of seats will be added in front of the suites on level two of the stand. The current capacity of 5,813 seats will be increased to 6,764. A new club lounge will also be added.
GENERAL UPGRADING
The entire park will undergo general upgrading of electrical and mechanical services and the outfields will undergo a complete overhaul and new irrigation and sub-surface drainage systems will be included.
Phase two of the project will start in June 2005 where a new multi-functional stand will be constructed to the north. It will replace the Air Jamaica stand, media centre, scoreboard and the eastern stand.
The new stand will include 7,500 seats of three types, general and club level seats and private suites.
The popular mound will be moved to the present location of the eastern stand. The seating capacity of Sabina Park will move from 14,000 to 21,700.
Melbourne Road to the north and south of George Headley Stand will be upgraded and will be integrated into the Park's
facilities, to allow the for free flow of
spectators and safety management.
