The Government of the Virgin Islands in partnership with the BVI Football Association, under the FIFA umbrella, has broken ground in Greenland for the development of a 2,500 seat multi-purpose stadium for recreational and sporting facilities and associated works.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Greenland Stadium on Friday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said, “This sporting facility was conceived a few years ago and it is gratifying to know that we are about to embark on the second phase of this project…Today does much for our morale at this stage of our recovery.”

The Premier added, “This is a partnership of mutual benefit, where the Government of the Virgin Islands leased the crown land for the purpose of developing this facility, and the BVI Football Association, through their alliance with FIFA, will provide the project funding.”

The Government has agreed to lease approximately four (4) acres of crown lands known as the Festival Grounds at East End to the registered company through a Special Purpose Vehicle established in connection with the project and for the purpose of developing and operating the facilities.

The facility is expected to include a six lane, 400 meter grass track; Netball and Volleyball courts; the covering of ghuts on both sides of the stadium and fencing of the stadium; parking lot for 200 cars; and access road between the parking lot and the multi-purpose stadium.

Premier Smith further stated, “With a regulation-sized football field and a 400 meter track, here will be the location of many engaging matches of football, track and other field sports that will provide entertainment to spectators, locally and from abroad, as it will be suitable to host international and regional matches.”

Remarks were also delivered by Deputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Labour and Representative for the Seventh Electoral District, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering; Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn; Minister for Health and Social Development and Representative for the Eighth Electoral District, Honourable Marlon Penn; Manager of STO Enterprises, Mr. Dion Stoutt; and Contractor Representative for Tarris Hill Associates, Ms. Deseree Potter.