Major $.5 m upgrade for Guaracara Park

THE first match of the 2004 Carib Beer regional cricket series is  to be held at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre on January 16. it would be in a vastly upgraded facility. It would be in a much better shape than its present delapidated condition which almost cost the picturesque ground the privilege of staging First-Class matches next season. Guaracara Park, set in the middle of the Petrotrin Refinery is in need of urgent renovation to reach an acceptable standard for players and patrons. Acting manager of the Petrotrin Sports Club, which is responsible for the historic venue, Hinford Joseph yesterday promised repairs will be made in time for the opening match of the regional season.

“We have budgeted $519,000 for the upgrade of the facility in time for the regional matches next year. So far the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) have written to us and given us two matches next season,” said Joseph. The first match is between Trinidad and Tobago and the Leeward Islands from January 16 to 19, while the other features TT against Barbados from February 6-9. “At present we are unable to do any work on the ground as the football season is still in progress. However at the end of October we are going to close the venue to any sporting activity and start the renovations,” Joseph said. “We are going to spend $194,000 on upgrading the outfield and drainage system, $250,000 on the stands and $75,000 on the lights and scoreboard,” he said.

During the domestic season, poor lighting affected the players in day-night matches.Yesterday  Joseph gave the assurance better lights will be installed. “The lighting is a bit of a problem but we are going to have this fixed. We have already sent in our proposed budget to the company and we are hoping to start the work soon,” Joseph said. TT are slated to be host to five matches in the regional Carib Beer series in 2004. Two matches will be played at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva and one will be staged at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain.