Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Senior Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said the Davis administration has agreed to spend an additional $31m to complete the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium because so much money has already been spent on the project.
The stadium was supposed to be completed by the end of 2017, but work stopped and the cost of completing the project has since risen, according to Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears.
Asked to justify the spending on the stadium, Mr Halkitis said yesterday: “I think there are several points that were made. Firstly, you have X amount, I think it’s either $24m or $27m already invested in it. And so you look at it, do you leave that in the ground and leave it there or do you seek to complete it and monetise it and make it an income generator?
“I think the idea is that with the interest in baseball and with the success of our young people in getting scholarships that the best option (would) be, let’s complete it. I understand that already several world class tournaments are in the pipeline to come upon completion so the idea is that instead of leaving it with that money in the ground, let’s complete it and seek to utilise it both in terms of being able to generate revenue from tournaments and perhaps attracting professional teams to come and as well to enhance the further development of your young people in baseball.”
The Christie administration initially contracted Woslee Construction Company to build the stadium for about $24.9m. That figure, Mr Sears said, was adjusted to $21.4m then increased to $27.5m after contingency and provisional fees were added.
Mr Sears said construction began in September 2016 and was supposed to last for 15 months, ending in November 2017.
He recently said: “To date, $27,438,868.26 has been certified for payment. However, of that amount, there are payment certificates valued at $3,256,650 to date, which have not been paid for lack of funding allocated in the 2021/22 Ministry of Works and Utilities capital budget.”
Mr Sears said the project has been greatly delayed and impacted by a number of issues, including an escalation in the cost of materials, equipment and labour because of the transition between administrations.
“The project has been extended a number of times over approximately 38 months and across two VAT periods, causing the need for additional funding,” he said.
“Construction of ancillary buildings and concrete works, such as (ticket booths, batting cage aprons, roof and structural support for batting cages, etc) - was not priced in the tender process as drawings were incomplete and require $1,109,145.20 for completion. Hardscape and landscape – a provisional sum of $375,000.00 is needed for completion.
“Outstanding change order requests that may be valued at $906,057.69 pending scrutiny.
“Additional funding will be required to complete the stadium in the amount of $31,349,566.28. This includes VAT.”
Comments
DDK 2 years, 9 months ago
If it weren't so sad and so sick it would be hilarious🤢😒🤣
bahamianson 2 years, 9 months ago
Really? Isnt it his party whom wants to continue with the project?
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 9 months ago
"And so you look at it, do you leave that in the ground and leave it there or do you seek to complete it and monetise it and make it an income generator?"
Wrong question. The question should be "*WHAT DID 27 MILLION BUILD? Is it 100% junk? 75% junk? 50% junk? How much of the 31m is being used to redo work we already paid for? If we build on top of it will we lose the entire 60 million investment in 20yrs? Does it make more sense "*strategically*" to start over? Or was it built so well that that 27m foundation will be good for 100 years?" Noone has answered those questions yet
Just a bunch of aimless well, we cant stop now. Yes we can. Its never too late to halt nonsense
As to income generator. Well, the national stadium has never paid for itself. But if you believe it, show us the plan, show us how much it will cost annually to
maintain the grass,
pay the electricity,
clean the premises,
maintain the light fixtures,
paint,
repair part on the scoreboard the jumbotrons,
maintain the sewer system
etc etc...
THEN show us how youll cover those costs and generate revenue above it. Im not saying its impossible, Im saying give us more than I guess, I hope, I believe and I think
John 2 years, 9 months ago
Personally the stadium looks SHITTY! It is a definite eyesore and looks more like a building in disrepair, rather than one under construction. And adding the paint job in such an amateur style makes it even so less appealing. So maybe some of the funds will be used to make the building more sexy. More visually attractive and definitely appealing to be more safe and sound. Who, with good sense and even with not all their senses would take their children in that monstrosity in its present state? Or even go there themselves. Looks like a death trap with so many places to fall through or from.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 9 months ago
I dont have any issue with how it looks, Its a grand structure and I think its beautiful, though I havent been in the area lately to see a paint job. (I hope it doesn't look like the effort at beautifying the straw market). But more important than beauty is function, does it function adequately for what it was created for? If all it is is beautiful its useless... unless "beauty" was its function
John 2 years, 9 months ago
And the national stadium is in dire need of attention and repairs. Persons who went there to collect their national insurance checks etc. found themselves having to dodge and duck huge chunks of concrete falling from all the way from the top of the structure. With the potential to cause serious injuries. This will definitively have to be addressed and corrected before any national or international events are held there. And the one by the Paradise Island bridge!!! Who builds a steel structure right on the water? It will have to be demolished in a matter of short years.
JackArawak 2 years, 9 months ago
Why not teach the kids sailing? Montagu beach already built.
Socrates 2 years, 9 months ago
How does a project that was approved not be funded? How do you run 100%+ over budget? Minister talks about scholarships. For the 2-3 people who might get a break that way, you would be better off to just give them the money.. it wouldn’t come to $58 million. It’s just more evidence in case it’s needed, why 3rd world countries are 3rd world countries.
tribanon 2 years, 9 months ago
Only Constipated Halkitis would try defend the indefensible corruption behind this baseball stadium.
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