National Stadium will provide economic opportunities for The Bahamas

Mon, Sep 7th 2009, 12:00 AM

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 2011 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.

Mr. Bannister then joined Mr. Symonette, Mr. Wu, Mr. Li and Mr. Robinson in unveiling a cornerstone. Mr. Wu also presented a model of the national stadium to Mr. Symonette.

Photo 1: During an official visit to the Thomas Robinson Stadium presently under construction by the Qilu Construction Group Corporation, His Excellency Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People?s Congress of the People?s Republic of China, presented a model of the national stadium to the Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. From left are the Hon. Charles Maynard, Minister of State for Culture; the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, Minister of National Security; Thomas A Robinson, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; Mr. Wu and members of the visiting delegation. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Photo 2: Members of the Bahamas Government along with His Excellency Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People?s Congress, unveil a cornerstone at the Thomas Robinson Stadium presently under construction. From left (back row) are the Hon. Lawrence Cartwright, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources; the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, Minister of National Security; and Thomas A. Robinson, former athlete and national hero. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Photo 3: His Excellency Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People?s Congress, and members of his delegation, enter the construction site of the Thomas Robinson Stadium on Saturday, August 5. Wu Bangguo was on a four-day visit to The Bahamas. The delegation included His Excellency Li Jianguo, Vice Chairman of the National People?s Congress, and 19 journalists. Also pictured are senior government officials. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)

 Sponsored Ads