Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre led the administration of the transformational rehabilitation process of the George Odlum National Stadium (GONS) in the Vieux-Fort.
Saint Lucia can earmark and look forward to a restored and rehabilitated George Odlum National Stadium. PM Pierre has taken the step to provide the advantage to the athletes of the nation and utilise the GONS in appropriate way.
A presentation was given by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia on March 26, 2024 considering the estimated revenue and expenditure of the year 2024-25. In the presentation, PM Pierre highlighted the concrete action that the government will take to restore the GONS and return it to the athletes and footballers of Saint Lucia.
As per the sources, the preparatory work on the GONS is anticipated to begin in the fiscal year 2024-25. The Prime Minister has promised $2.5 million from the Estimated Revenue and Expenditure for the design of the stadium, its supervision services and preparation work of the site.
The preparatory work on the GONS will commence on the relocation of the operations of the St Jude Hospital to its original site in Augier, Vieux-Fort.
The prime minister of Saint Lucia understands the importance of managing state assets as GONS prudently and efficiently.
However, the government will draw the loan from the Saudi Fund for Development to commence the subsequent construction phases on the GONS over the completion of its relevant preparatory works and after securing the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
Reportedly, PM Philip J Pierre took the deliberate action to initiate the long-delayed rehabilitation works on the GONS. He has successfully negotiated a USD $75 million loan from the Saudi Fund for development work.
Moreover, the loan will finance the construction and rehabilitation works on the St Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project (SJHRP) and the GONS.
The public is rest assured that the athletes can look forward to benefit from the use of a fully restored and first-class sporting facility.
Notably, under the leadership of Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, Saint Lucia will regain the capacity to host the regional and international sporting competitions in the GONS.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance Philip J Pierre has led a Cabinet of Ministers and heads a government that continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth and sports development in Saint Lucia.
