Mexican Government Funds Multi-purpose Sports Building at Marion Jones

Carlos Quesnel

Today, the media was called out to the launch of a new multi-purpose sports building to be located at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. It will be funded totally by the government of Mexico, and the concept was cemented in 2012 when both countries agreed on the plan. The new building catering to a variety of disciplines will augment the football field and running track currently at the complex.

Carlos Quesnel, Mexican Ambassador to Belize

“This project involves not only the design and construction of a multipurpose sports facility, but also the installation of lighting in the existing soccer field. It will be named Mexico because of Belize’s appreciation of the support of the Mexican government. Thank you very much honourable Minister Faber and Minister Longsworth for this kind gesture. The government of Belize and Mexico, through the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation take actions to increase joint collaboration that boost growth and raise the prosperity and welfare of the Belizean population. This effort will also allow the possibility of groups of all ages to have access to practicing these sports with benefits for the wider population of this country.”

Herman Longsworth

Herman Longsworth, Minister of State, Ministry of Sports

“The intention is to build a building that shall facilitate volleyball and basketball primarily. But the intention is also to assist in those sports—boxing, karate, table tennis; that sort of thing—to also have a place that they can compete. They may not be able to use it for practice purposes, but at least they could have a proper place that they can have their competitions. The primary purpose is for volleyball and basketball. The intention was initially for volleyball and I said no, we can’t have only volleyball; we must ensure that all those who can utilize the building, utilizes it. I know that this is political season and I know that there are going to be quite a bit of questions and comments coming from the media. I want you to appreciate that we have a master plan that was developed, primarily after my coming on board, for this facility; for the entire facility. It is a dream. It is not something that we have the money to immediately implement. So I am extremely thankful to the Mexican government for having agreed to participate in this process and to partner with us.”

We’ll have more from the Minister of State later in the newscast.