US$20m Sir Viv Stadium to finish on time

China’s Minister of Construction Wang Guangtao, who was a member of the Chinese Bid Team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said that it was important to the Chinese Government that the construction of the stadium was completed on time and most importantly, that the World Cup Games were successful.

China is funding the stadium’s construction to the tune of US$20 million.

He said that China valued the relationship with Antigua and Barbuda and would work tirelessly in ensuring that the relationship was maintained at the highest level.

"China and Antigua and Barbuda will continue to work closely in ensuring that our relationship grows and produces benefits for our peoples," Minister Wang said.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to China Sir David Shoul said that his country was proud of the relationship it had with China and would continue working towards strengthening the relations.

"My government is very honoured to have a friend in the People’s Republic of China and we are very grateful that they have given us the gift of the cricket stadium," Ambassador Shoul said.

"We will do our part in ensuring that construction is completed on time."