George says we have a great responsibilty to manage the Sports Stadium

Minister for Public Works and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Ambrose George has told Dominicans that they have a great responsibility to manage the Chinese-financed new Windsor Park Stadium.

Hon. Ambrose George who was speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit made the remarks at the official opening of the Windsor Park Stadium.

“We have a great responsibility to ensure that we manage this facility in such a way that we will justify to those who have bestowed it on us that we are good stewards. To be good stewards mean to approach your management functions with a high level of accountability,” Hon George remarked.

Speaking in front an enthralling audience of thousands, the Minister described the facility as excellent and added: “Every possible aspect of the way we manage and care for this Windsor Park Stadium will determine how appreciative we are of this gift and how well equipped we are to take on the level of responsibility it entails for its management and sustenance.”

Hon. Ambrose George, who is also the Parliamentary Representative for Roseau South, said use of the Stadium must balance two things. “On one hand the very nature and purport of this gift that is a Sports Stadium, and on the other, making sure that it blends with other legitimate demands that could be made on such a facility.”

Work on the Windsor Park Stadium began on March 23, 2005, exactly one year after Dominica had established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. The facility was financed from grant funds in excess of $35 million from the Chinese Government.

The New Windsor Park Stadium, dubbed “The People’s Stadium” was opened on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 in a glittering ceremony attended by Ministers of Government, Chinese Government officials, the OAS Secretary General, Religious Leaders, local sporting legends of the past, public and private sector officials and thousands of well- wishers.