The basketball court at the Jeffery Caines Arena on Virgin Gorda.

Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News

The basketball court at the Jeffery Caines Arena on Virgin Gorda.

Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News

The long-awaited roof over the basketball court at the Jeffery Caines Arena, along with other improvements to the facility will take place during the next budget cycle, assured Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn.

During the opening ceremony for the Summer Jam basketball league last Saturday, August 25, Minister Walwyn said that the drawings for the improvements have been submitted.

"We have been speaking about it far too long. It has to happen...I have the drawings now for the court; it was my intention to have it done in this Budget cycle, but because of other priorities I wouldn´t be able to make it in this Budget cycle, but certainly the next Budget cycle the work to cover this court and to expand this facility will in fact be done," Minister Walwyn said.

The open-air facility has been a challenge for players and during the opening ceremony it was evident that it was needed as large swarm of insects kept players fanning and visibly uncomfortable.

On April 24, Minister Walwyn signed a petty contract with Mr. Dion Stoutt of STO Enterprises, for the design, engineering and development of a Recreation Park in Virgin Gorda in the amount of $68,500 and for the architectural design, surveying and engineering services for the covering of the court in the amount of $62,500.

Both design works were expected to be completed by June 25, 2012.

The Minister confirmed receiving the drawings.

The scope of works for the enhancement of the Virgin Gorda Basketball Court included the drawing and design of a proper covering to completely cover the existing basketball court, the creation of more seating capacity and upgrades to the restroom facility and the concession stand. The drawings are expected to incorporate proper lighting for the court and mechanical requirements to improve the scoreboard equipment.

Seats at the Jeffery Caines Arena on Virgin Gorda.

Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News

Seats at the Jeffery Caines Arena on Virgin Gorda.

Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News

The scope of works for the design of the Virgin Gorda recreational facility included the development of the land space into a park to include a Gazebo, playground equipment, landscape, proper and adequate parking, fencing, a restroom facility, site lighting and picnic and party facilities.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton witnessed Minister Walwyn´s signature while Finance and Planning Officer in the Ministry of Education and Culture Mrs. Jovita Scatliffe witnessed the architect, Mr. Stoutt's signature.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter and Territorial Representative Mr. Archibald Christian were also in attendance to witness the signing of the contracts.