ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) — Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says his government is proud of its efforts to develop sporting facilities in Dominica as the island yesterday staged an historic first Test at the Windsor Park stadium between the West Indies and India.

“It is unfortunate that Dominica had to wait well over 100 years to witness Test cricket in this country, but this government was the one who was able to allow Dominicans to watch this Test match,” Skerrit said, adding that his government’s objective has always been to improve sporting facilities on the island to meet international standards.

“The stadium started its construction during an austerity programme and one could have argued back then that we should not have negotiated with the Chinese because we were going through a very difficult period.

“However, we remain committed to the development of sports, to a modern, state-of-the-art sports facility and one can appreciate the kind of contribution that the stadium has brought to Dominica over the last several years since its construction,” Skerrit said ahead of the third Test that began here yesterday.

“We are very excited, very pleased. I know that the entire country is also very excited and they are all looking forward for the first ball to be bowled here,” Skerrit added.

The Prime Minister noted that both teams had expressed satisfaction with the facilities and were looking forward to playing at the Windsor Park venue.

He said the staging of the Test match held benefits for Dominica’s tourism-based economy.

“This Labour Party administration is happy to allow the Dominican people to have this source of pride. We look forward to Dominica making its name.