CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — Three of the leading cricket grounds here have undergone major upgrades, as government has shelled out millions to ensure the country’s readiness to stage matches in the World Twenty20 Championship which bowls off next week.

Speaking at a news conference here this week, Sports Minister Lenard Montoute disclosed that EC$2.5 million (US$959,692) was spent in refurbishing the Beausejour Cricket Ground while substantial upgrades were done at the Mindoo Philip Park and the Gros-Islet Playing Field which will be used as practice venues during the tournament.

St Lucia, along with Barbados and Guyana will jointly host the men’s tournament while St Kitts will be the venue for the women’s preliminary round, in the April 30 to May 16 showpiece.

“At the Beausejour Cricket Ground we have done quite a bit of work in terms of re-roofing, metal works, railings, construction of storage facilities and so on,” Montoute said.

“We have also spent over EC$900,000 in procurement of equipment that will be required, not just for the upcoming games that will take place, but for continued upkeep of the facility.”

He continued: “I want to continue to express my Ministry’s commitment and I want to thank all of those who have brought us to this stage and I am satisfied that we have delivered a world class facility.

“I look forward to the successful hosting of the Twenty20 matches here in St Lucia. I appeal to the general public to ensure that our matches are well subscribed.”

Improvements to the Mindoo Phillip Park and the Gros-Islet Playing Field included the refurbishment of changing rooms, drainage works and new practice facilities.

Montoute also appealed to residents in the Beausejour area to continue giving their full co-operation to organisers, in the face of inconveniences they will endure while the tournament is ongoing.

St Lucia has been awarded a healthy slice of matches, hosting four first round matches, four second round games and all four semi-finals.