MINISTRY OF SPORTS REAFFIRMS PUBLIC ACCESS TO KIM COLLINS STADIUM UNDER STRUCTURED APPLICATION PROCESS

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, July 16, 2026 (SKNIS): Sporting clubs, organisations, and schools were reminded of the application process for access to the Kim Collins Athletics Stadium, which remains available for athlete training and for hosting related track and field events.

At a press conference on Wednesday (July 15, 2026), Jeffrey Hazel, Director in the Department of Sports, explained that the process is “quite simple” and is no different than the process used for other facilities managed by the department. It involves sending a written request to sknsports@gov.kn outlining which facility is being requested for use, what activity will be held, and the date and time. Depending on the nature of the event, a fee may be applicable. A separate application must be submitted to the Commissioner of Police if the organisers wish to play loud music.

Mr. Hazel added that the response to use a facility is usually returned quickly and is often in the affirmative.

Valencia Syder, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, decried the past misuse and mismanagement of the facility. This included unauthorised individuals duplicating keys to gain access to the stadium and improperly using the track and other areas of the complex. She added that the proper application process has been repeatedly communicated to users, identifying the main users as St. Kitts-Nevis Athletics and related clubs.

“You have to give us your schedule,” Ms. Syder stated. “Because we have staff at the facility, we have to give our staff ample notice that (for instance) Jeffrey [a random name] is going to use the stadium Friday afternoon at 5 ‘o’ clock, so that our staff is there to ensure that things are done the way they need to be done.”

“The facility is not in lockdown, it is secure,” the permanent secretary emphasised. “Lots of money just went into renovating the stadium, and we have to be accountable to the people, for the people’s money that was used to renovate the stadium.”

Ms. Syder indicated that the Ministry of Sports and the Department of Sports are committed to the implementation of the sustainable management structure that safeguards the facility while ensuring broad public access to the Federation’s premier track and field venue.

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