MAJOR REFURBISHMENT OF BASKETBALL CITY NEARS COMPLETION

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, January 06, 2026 (SKNIS): The extensive refurbishment of Basketball City at Victoria Road is proceeding well and should be completed in a few weeks.The scope of the refurbishment to date, included the complete demolition of the foundation for the basketball court and installation of a new, bigger foundation to meet international standards. The demolition of an older building at the Western end, installing a new drainage system for the court and the facility, upgrading the seating support structure and installing new bleachers.

The removal of the existing lighting structures that at times obstructed the view of spectators, and the installation of new lights. Renovating bathrooms and dressing rooms, expanding the cafeteria section, and more were all undertaken.Minister of Sport, the Honourable Samal Duggins, and officials from the Ministry and the Department of Sport, along with executives from the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Basketball Association (SKNABA), toured the facility on Tuesday (January 06, 2026).

Public Works Engineer, Jared Joseph, briefed the officials on the tremendous work done to transform the facility into one that ensures the comfort and safety of players, coaches, officials and the public.Minister Duggins said that basketball has long been a favourite sport of many young persons across the country, some of whom have gained basketball scholarships to attend University in the United States and other countries.

“We want to enhance that and send more of our young people out to College to get an education via scholarships … and having the right facilities helps to ensure that our people get these opportunities,” Honourable Duggins stated. “In fact, I have already been discussing with a number of NBA players to be here in April to do a basketball camp to scout some of our talent.”

Minister Duggins added that he was “honoured” to be in a position to significantly renovate Basketball City after years of neglect.SKNABA President, Glenville Jeffers, commended Minister Duggins for his leadership on this project. He recalled that when the association first engaged the minister on upgrading Basketball City, he responded positively.

“We see that the ministry of sport went beyond what we thought they would have gone, in terms of what they have done for Basketball City, which really has not had any major renovation of this magnitude, since it was built,” he expressed.Mr. Jeffers noted that SKNABA has a “good” working relationship and defended the investment into Basketball City, while plans for the Indoor Basketball Facility are being developed.