By KNEWS

Copyright kaieteurnewsonline

National Stadium needs facelift and upgrading

Sep 29, 2025
Letters

Complaints were leveled about the condition of the national stadium at Providence. It is also the subject of an editorial of another paper (Sep 26). Fans consistently stated that (the stands and washrooms) are poorly maintained and outdated. The complaints of fans and commentaries are justified. Government has committed a lot of funds on sporting grounds. Is government getting value for the money spent?

Anyone who visited the Providence stadium over the last few years won’t disagree with the comments and editorials about the deplorable conditions at the stadium. I was a patron annually over the last several years. Aside from not having enough washrooms, several are in disorder or disrepair. And those actually working (flushing), they are unkempt, plain dirty. The washrooms stink in virtually all of the stands; one has to tighten the nose, use fast, and rush out.

One can hear the complaint of every user; he did what he had to do, spat, and moved on. Not only the taps were working to wash hands; the basins were stained. The washrooms in the VIP and VVIP are in much better condition perhaps because they are serviced by private handlers; the commoners don’t have access to these. Some of the local cricket grounds are in better conditions than the national stadium and have much friendlier and cleaner wash rooms.

It is quite true that elements of the stands in the stadium are falling apart. Seats are missing. There are cracks on the wall and even on the flooring. There are very little amenities in the stands. And worst of all, the stands don’t reflect the culture of the country. And parking has been a serious problem; not enough space for the number of vehicles especially in high intensity, rivalry games like Guyana versus T&T. There are huge crowds and lines to purchase snacks.

The overall stadium needs a facelift and upgrading. Cricket or sports organisers should invest some funds to make it a world class stadium similar to those in South Africa if not like those in Australia, New Zealand, and UK. When there are games, someone should be in charge of ensuring that washrooms are in working order; washrooms should be cleaned continuously during games as in stands of developed countries. Also, the Government should begin to think of parking space outside of the stadium enclosure.

Having noted the above issues and problems, they did not deter spectators from enjoying every single game Guyana played and having a fun time.

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