What the people say about Uses for the stadium
By Keisha McCammon
Stabroek News
May 7, 2007
What do you think the Providence Stadium should be used for now that the Cricket World Cup is over? We asked the man and woman in the street this question and this is what they had to say.
Frankie Thomas, businessman: 'I think that the stadium should be used for medal activities and for cricket finals. I believe that major sporting events should also be kept there. I also feel that the stadium should be hired out to major artistes and televangelists where it could be used. The stadium needs to be utilized because the nation has invested a lot and it was not meant for the world cup alone.
Linden La Rose, construction worker: 'I think that the Government should find some competitive sport to hold at the stadium. They could lease it to a Caribbean country and this would help to bring in money. They could also look into the possibility of having local activities held at the stadium so that it will not be left sitting there.
Joseph Cupidore, taxi driver: 'I believe that the Carifta games should be held at the stadium. I also think that the football tournaments that are held in the Caribbean should also be kept at the stadium. They should also keep 20/20 cricket at the stadium because these activities can bring money into the country.'
Michael Headley, student: 'I think that the Carib Beer tournament should be played at the Providence stadium. Also the shows that are normally held in the National Park could be held there as well. The artistes can perform at the stadium which is larger and the money can be used to put up traffic lights all across the country.'
Lennox Adams, proprietor: 'I believe that the stadium should be opened to all games because we have to use it. It can also be used for any other function which can bring finance into the country. We cannot leave the stadium to deteriorate because a lot of money was spent on it. I believe that anything that can help to bring in an income should be held at the stadium.'
Aniesha Khemraj, student: 'I believe that recreational activities should be held at the Providence Stadium. I also think that club cricket which is played at the Bourda Ground and 20/20 cricket should be played at the stadium. These activities will help to upkeep the stadium.'
Cheryl Baljit, student: 'The Providence Stadium should be used to keep fairs, GuyExpo and all international trade fairs. I also think that they should continue to play international cricket at the ground as well as football tournaments on the ground.'
Shonet Lewis, librarian: 'I do not think that the Providence Stadium should be left as a monument because a lot of effort went into its construction. It is hoped that we can use it for other activities and any cultural events. I personally believe that students should be allowed to go there and the Ministry of Education should allow schools to use the stadium for various activities.'
Carlyne Stewart, data entry clerk: 'I believe that other activities apart from cricket should be held at the stadium, not necessarily on the field. Games could also be played there and they could keep shows with international artistes at the stadium to keep it active.'
Sonia Pertab, accounts clerk: 'I believe that the Providence Stadium should be used for other sports. When the schools on the East Bank have their sports it can be held there. Further the national athletic sports could be held there since the ground is really big and can accommodate a lot of persons. Also instead of going to Bourda for one-day international cricket, they keep the games at the stadium. I feel that anything that brings an income into the country should be held at Providence.'