Photo: Sports Minister Anil Roberts (c) reviews documents by contractor Pooran and Ogeer Maintenance relating to the field upgrade at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima.

New technologies and materials will form an integral part of the upgrade of local stadiums being managed by the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT). At a site visit to the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima on Tuesday, the Honourable Anil Roberts, Minister of Sport said he was pleased with the progress of works and was enthusiastic about the final product being utilised by athletes in the near future.

Works are being conducted simultaneously at the Larry Gomes and Mannie Ramjohn Stadiums and involve complete renewals of the playing surfaces. Contractor for the field surfaces Pooran and Amzad Ogeer Maintenance has completely replaced the old field, filling with a coarse sand imported from Guyana which is expected to allow for better filtration and reduce surface run-off. Additionally, the grass to be used is Celebration Bermuda grade which is more resistant to local weather conditions and other environmental factors that cause deterioration such as mole crickets and weeds. 

According to Anthony Blake, Facilities Manager at SPORTT, 80 percent of the works to the field at Larry Gomes and Mannie Ramjohn are complete and should be ready for us in approximately eight weeks. Blake also revealed that the track upgrades at both facilities, as well as the Dwight Yorke Stadium are also within schedule. The Arima and Marabella stadiums will be furnished with IAAF certified surfaces which can be used primarily for training purposes while the Ato Boldon and Dwight Yorke tracks will be IAAF Class 2 certified and therefore suitable for elite international events. The contractor providing services on the tracks is Advance Performance Technologies, who are expected to deliver the finished product at all the facilities in approximately ten weeks. Blake explained that works to the track are in the first phase with the old track being removed and the surface being prepared to receive the synthetic layer. Drainage works to the perimeter of the field, where it meets the track, are also being conducted to minimise overflow and prevent water from collecting in these areas.

The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago as the implementation arm of the Ministry of Sport is tasked to deliver major construction projects for the sport industry and has been competently fulfilling its mandate. SPORTT recently got the Hasely Crawford Stadium ready for athletic events a mere two weeks after a hectic Carnival season. The first event at the venue, the Carifta Trials, went smoothly with no delays as a result of inadequate facilities.

Photos: The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago