Dedication ceremony for Providence stadium…
President says India has given a significant boost to tourism with stadium
-- Indian VP recommits to strengthening co-operation with Guyana
By Melanie Allicock
Kaieteur News
December 9, 2006
With much pomp and ceremony befitting such a historic occasion, the Providence stadium was dedicated yesterday by visiting Indian Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
The special invitees present to witness the ceremony included government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Indian delegation, and opposition members.
Live steel pan music and the accompaniment of the Guyana Police Force band set the festive atmosphere at the newly built sports arena.
President Bharrat Jagdeo, in his address, described the event as a red letter day in the history of sports in Guyana and in the life of the nation.
He noted that the event represented the culmination of two years of intense and dedicated labour.
Describing the spanking new facility as a work of art and a wonder to behold, the President lauded the work of the architects and contractors of the facility who, he noted, applied themselves with a sense of urgency and determination to the monumental task of completing the facility for the deadline.
He expressed special gratitude to the Government and people of India for the kind assistance which facilitated the erection of the facility, adding that the stadium represents a major landmark in the continued progress of friendly and cooperative relations which exists between Guyana and India .
“There can be no more splendid symbol of the friendship and cooperation which have long existed between Guyana and India than this edifice. Since our two countries established diplomatic relations in May 1966, they have drawn closer together to form a steadfast partnership based on shared values and aspirations.”
The Head of State pointed out that the spirit of togetherness with which persons from both countries worked on the facility is indicative of the strong forces of culture and history which bind the two countries in cooperation.
He added that as a small and fragile economy that is highly sensitive to shocks, both indigenous and exogenous, Guyana could benefit greatly from this cooperation.
“The vulnerability of small states such as ours lies largely with the limited size and structure of its economy. There is invariably a high level of openness with an over-dependence on a few exports, whose earnings are unpredictable due to frequent fluctuations in the world market.
“Because of economic, human and institutional constraints, small states like ours are also more ill-equipped to adjust to these changes.”
The President noted also that increasingly, Caribbean islands have become victims of more natural disasters which have taken a heavy toll.
He, however, assured of his government's commitment towards a strong economic response amid numerous constraints. He mentioned plans of reorienting Guyana 's economy with a view to improving its international competitiveness, and said he is actively pursuing the diversification of production and exports.
In this regard, three new growth areas have been identified, aimed at presenting additional opportunities in the future.
These are information technology, tourism, and agro-processing.
Jagdeo noted that by contributing to the construction of the stadium, India has already given a significant boost to the tourism sector.
He hopes that India will lend its expertise to Guyana to help in the area of information technology to catapult the country into closing the digital divide that exists in this area between developing countries and those that are developed.
Jagdeo also expressed gratitude to the visiting Vice-President for the support lent to the developing countries in its WTO negotiations.
The President pointed out that apart from providing a major boost for the economy, through tourism, travel and top class sporting events, the stadium will also inspire youths to prepare for competition in a variety of events, both locally and abroad.
He reflected on the challenges encountered in the construction of the stadium, noting that while the idea of showcasing the CWC next year in Guyana was an attractive one, it was not easily implemented.
He explained that the demands of the ICC on host countries were intimidating, but Guyana refuses to be deterred by the challenge, and is working instead to relentlessly fulfill the specifications.
“I am pleased to announce that the ICC assessment of the facility to date has been laudable,” he said.
The President assured the visiting dignitary that the hosting of events will not be done in a partisan manner, adding that support has been received from all sections of society, including the opposition political parties in Parliament and private sector bodies.
He lauded the fact that all the major works on the sports arena have been completed, and only work on peripheral areas principally relating to access roads, transportation arrangement, nearby accommodation facilities, and appropriate landscaping remain.
These, he assured, will be in place before the hosting of the games.
When completed, the stadium will be an important hub for economic and social activities, the President said, adding that it will not only add to the aesthetics of the area, but will serve as a stimulant for the organisation of year-round activities, which will greatly enhance the sporting life of the country.
Towards this end, a management plan is being formulated which will ensure optimum use of the facility from the outset.
However, the continuous use of the facility is guaranteed by the stability and multifunctionality which are inherent in its design.
The President noted that the Bourda Cricket Ground has outlived its usefulness and no longer meets many of the ICC requirements for security.
He said the new arena will guarantee that test matches will be played in Guyana for the next 75 years - the life of the stadium.
Meanwhile, India 's Vice-President described the stadium as an example of south-south cooperation, to which his country is committed, and the deep bonds of friendship between the people of the two countries.
“It is a matter of satisfaction to us that India 's development partnership has contributed to socio-economic and human resource development of many developing countries, including Guyana ,” Shekhawat said.
Shekhawat added that relations between the two countries are marked by mutual trust and understanding, noting that both countries share similar values.
“We have abiding faith in the values of freedom, dignity and respect for the individual. The philosophy of peaceful co-existence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries have been the cardinal principles of our foreign policy. We have a deep understanding of, and respect for, each other's concerns and view points,” the Vice-President said.
He opined that persons' faith in democracies of developing countries depends on addressing the problems of the poor.
He added that the eradication of poverty and providing a safety net for the poor in the presence of globalization remain the priority agenda item for action .
Shekhawat further noted that for this to be accomplished, an international environment of peace must prevail.
He reaffirmed his country's commitment to further strengthening the mutual cooperation between the two countries, noting that there is much to be gained through mutual help and understanding
“ India is committed to creating conditions that would facilitate acceleration of cooperation. The constructive cooperation between our nations would not only be to our mutual advantage, but acting together with understanding and shared values, we shall be partners in contributing to the building of a better world order. On our part, I would like to assure this gathering of our very best efforts in this direction.”
Following the official ceremony, the leaders of the two countries unveiled a dedication plaque before proceeding on a guided tour of the facility, led by technical advisor in the Ministry of Works, Walter Willis.
Colourful and well choreographed cultural presentations by the National School of Dance, the Indian Cultural Centre, and the West Ruimveldt Boys' Choir complemented the event.
An official name is still to be decided on for the facility.
The stadium was constructed through a US$6M soft loan from the Indian Government.
Guyana is scheduled to host six super-eight matches in next year's CWC in the West Indies .
The Indian firm Shapoorji and Pallonji carried out the construction works on the facility.