The Berger Field Development Project 2022 Kicks Off
It was announced years ago, but never materialized. But finally, after all these years, a football pitch will be installed at the Berger Field in Belize City. Today, the official design of the project was unveiled and News Five was there. Here’s this report.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
This open space at the corner of Vernon and Sarstoon Streets in Belize City has been underutilized, but today, the Berger Field Development Project 2022 was unveiled, and it will see the open space retrofitted with bleachers, parking lot and other amenities.
Josue Carballo
Josue Carballo, Director of Industry Development, B.T.B.
“Definitely a momentous occasion. We know that numerous times, we have had intentions of the upgrade of this Berger Field, however, there is much to be said but more so much to be done and that is now made possible through the coordination of many different governmental private and public sector that are gathered here today to welcome everyone to this unveiling of the Berger Field Community Project.”
Sergio Chuc
Sergio Chuc, President, Football Federation of Belize
“We’ve identified the funding to put in our one-third because Minister Mahler is putting in the next one-third and the Ministry of Sports through the national sports council is putting in their one-third. We’ve already come up with the monies, along with the Ministry of Tourism for the conceptual drawing for the architect to do their work. Now we are at the stage where we will do the grown breaking ceremony and this is going to be a nice facility. The F.F.B. is committed to do it all around the country. And, when we have instances where we could partner, like this, we go all out for it.”
The renovation of the space is welcoming news for star football athlete Ian Gaynair, whose love of the sport began right on Berger Field. Gaynair speaks of playing along with star striker Deon McCaulay as kids and of the potential that the new project can have for future football athletes.
Ian Gaynair
Ian Gaynair, Central Defense, National Football Team
“It really good fi see this. I neva have this ina my time. This dah mi lone sand… Lone sand. Then over this side mi got wah big drain, weh sometime you run off ah deh inna the drain you get hurt. Me and Dion grow up pan this field yah. Him and I are very successful in the football game and I think, with this weh d look fi happen, I think all the young players from around here wah end up pan the national team, wah end up the be something, wah end up maybe dah wah next country di play football just sake ah this. I really appreciate this.”
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor
“It is easier to get a project done when you have collaboration and you have the community inclusion. That is very important. For this project to be a success, it starts with the community. It starts with building inclusive communities where these people feel like they are a part of this project and that they are not left out.”
Gilroy Usher
Gilroy Usher, Minister of State, Ministry of Sports
“With this major improvement in the neighbor, property value will go up around this area, so it is for the benefit of everyone. Another important benefit is that small business will be able to prosper in this community because when you have a lot of people gathering here on a regular basis for competitions and so on, more people will come out and so small businesses will be able to generate a lot of funds for themselves.”
The community project will help to reduce crimes and provide a space for the youth within the community to engage in sports. Minister of Sports Rodwell Ferguson speaks of other facilities that will also be upgraded.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports
“I have feel the momentum. I have feel the change. I have feel the inspiration because when I got into the ministry, I told them here we come to work for the betterment of our people. And everybody is coming on board. With this being done, it will be a major accomplishment for Belize City. I have already asked the director of sports, Mister Ian Cal to give me an estimate for Roger’s Stadium and likewise M.C.C. With the support of cabinet, we know where we can find the funds to renovate those stadiums. So as soon as we get it, we will take it to cabinet to make sure it can be done. A time has come for it to be done.”
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“I have committed to the chairman of the National Sports Council that we will reinvigorate and re-launch the Belize City Games and then we’ll have the Belize Games after that. I think that is crucial. I’ve also committed to the minister that we will have a cycling tour for Belize. A Belize Cycling Tour with decent prizes and we’ll have international cyclist come in to compete; a big fishing tournament. We’ll have some improvements to the football competition and basketball competition and all the other disciplines. I think if we continue to invest in them…”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
