News

Earlier this year the Government of Dominica through the funding of EC$13.8 million dollars from the Dominica National Lottery Commission, embarked on the project to restore and upgrade the lighting at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.

Earlier today, phase one of the project officially commenced with the pouring of concrete to seal the foundation.

Hon. Oscar George, Minister with responsibility for Youth and Sports, updated the public on the stadium lighting project during his budget address, emphasizing the government’s continued commitment to sports in Dominica.

"This critical upgrade will be far superior to the previous lighting system that existed at Windsor Park," Minister George stated. "It includes the installation of high-quality lighting systems consistent with ICC specifications, a modern control room, backup generators, and supporting facilities."

The contract was awarded to Prabha International Inc., a Canadian-based company renowned for its expertise in sports lighting.

Mayank Walia is Project Manager for the stadium lighting project. He said this is the first phase of the five phases project. “This is phase one of this project. We are currently pouring in 32x32 cubic yards of footing…. We have created four foundations on which the poles will sit on. In total we will pour 78 cubic yards of concrete today.”

The project manager stated that he is aware that time is very critical at this moment however the unpredictable weather often pose a setback. “Due to the rain some days are unworkable, it could be sunny today and then rain for the next two weeks, however we are doing everything we can to ensure I timely completion.”

A number of Dominican companies and citizens also gained employment under this project. “We have employed a lot of local companies to include the concrete suppliers, the excavation teams, the site staff.. just to name a few that work with us to ensure that this project is completed.” Mr. Walia stated.

Chairman of the Stadium Board of Directors Mr. Gregory Shillingford was tasked with overseeing the project. He stated that this project offers an opportunity for Dominica to upgrade the grounds of the stadium to meet international requirements.

 “Given that the field has been disrupted and there are marks all over the field it gives us an opportunity to do renovations of the field, new grass, removal of compaction on the field. FIFA has a regulation for their fields which is able to withstand torrential rains and this is our same desire for cricket in Dominica, an opportunity since 2008; to retore the field to the best design.”

This upgrade will not only restore but also elevate Windsor Park Stadium to meet international standards, enabling Dominica to host high-caliber regional and international sporting events in the future.