Minister of Sports Says Investments in Sports Almost Double 2021 Budget

Rodwell Ferguson

The budget allocated for the sports portfolio for 2023 stands at three point two million dollars, which is almost double what it was two years ago, when it was one point seven million dollars. Similarly, the Minister of Sports, Rodwell Ferguson highlighted the sports venues that will see upgrades in the new fiscal year.

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports

“In 2021, ten point seven million was allocated to sports in 2021. In budget of 2023 to 2024, three point two million has been allocated for over a period of three years, so I can tell you that we recognize the importance of sports, so it has been increased by a whopping fifty three percent. The minister, or the Member from Pickstock, when I assumed the responsibility of the Minister of Youth, Sports and Transportation told me that, Minister Ferguson, we need to collaborate and improve the Berger Field. And so with his funds from the Belize Tourism Board, from the Ministry of Sports or the Department of Sports, and likewise the F. F.B., we agreed to fund the four hundred and fifty thousand for the Berger Field. And today it’s a living example. As the minister responsible, Minister Mahler and I will ensure that we keep that stadium or that facility properly maintain and properly secured because it is a very, very expensive venture, and I believe other parts of the country to do the same. I visited the field by the Raccoon Street Police Station about a month ago, and Madam Speaker, I can tell you that particular field is in a deplorable condition, and I want to assure the people of that area that within this budget, we are going to renovate that football field for the people of Belize City. M.C.C. Football Field has been a tradition for many, many years as we can reflect back in history. It was partially destroyed by Hurricane Lisa – over 60 years – partially destroyed by Hurricane Lisa. Right now we’re a study of M.C.C. and putting a plan together to figure out how we can get back the M.C.C to the way it was in the past. So in the coming months, you’ll see some complete transformation at the M.C.C. Football Field. Mexico Center was also partially destroyed by Hurricane Lisa, practically the entire roof gone. To renovate it back will cost us over three hundred thousand dollars even though that center has not been fully passed over to the country of Belize by Mexico through Unox. I happened to went to Mexico few weeks ago, had part of the conversation with them and they asked us to do an estimate. And to see how they can assist in repairing back Mexico Center.”