Will the Marion Jones Sporting Complex Finally Be Completed?

The Marion Jones Sporting Complex…for years now we’re been carrying the story of this monstrous ugly duckling which never seems to change into a swan. Nobody’s been able to say exactly how much money has been dumped into the facility, and nobody’s been able to say what exactly will be available to the public when the project is completed. Today, the new Minister of Sports, Elodio Aragon Junior told us that he’s toured the spot and knows what needs to be done.

Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of Sports

“I haven’t finished in terms of visiting all our facilities countrywide, but those that I’ve visited are some of those that are priorities that I’m looking at. One of them is looking at where we are in terms of our present facilities that we have, and two is looking at what programs we need to begin to implement and have so that we can get sports off the ground in terms of moving it further than it is at this present point in time.”

Reporter

“And in terms of the Marion Jones which has been the famous white elephant?”

Elodio Aragon Jr.

Elodio Aragon Jr.

“Well with the Marion Jones, since I’ve gotten in Belize City primarily I’ve focused a lot, along with Orange Walk and others. In terms of the Marion Jones I’ve already done a walk-through of the Marion Jones just as I’ve done with the MCC Grounds. And I will tell you that the Marion Jones Stadium needs to be finished, and I am working on that to get it finished. Now in terms of Marion Jones one of the things is I had a meeting with the supervising element of the Marion Jones Stadium, and I will tell you that I’ve learned a lot of how Marion Jones Stadium came about, what was the plan and how monies were being allocated to it, and now understanding that and where we are in terms of the work has given me a great insight on how we are going to move forward in getting it done. The priority for me is getting the Marion Jones up and finished. I think in the news last time you all mentioned about the Mexicans coming in with five million. In terms of UNOPS, UNOPS is an organization that will oversee the investment of the five million dollars for the indoor facility that is being built by the Mexicans. In no way will that money be used on the Marion Jones stadium itself, the building that is there right now. That money has been slated for the indoor facilities that will be built right beside the Marion Jones, within the same complex.”