KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Over the past 16 months, the Government has upgraded 14 sporting facilities across the island at schools and community centres.

According to Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, some eight other facilities are being completed to ensure that there is continued development of sporting talents in the island.

In a message read by General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Denzil Wilks, at the official opening of the $4.5-million Belvedere Multipurpose Complex in West Rural St Andrew last Friday, Grange said the Government is committed to capacity development, so that Jamaicans can “excel in all areas of sport”.   

The minister lauded the working relationship among political representatives, community organisations and government agencies, stressing that it fosters the development of the country.

“It is the kind of coming together that is going to drive community development, ensure unity, sustain development, and unearth talents,” Grange emphasised.

The minister encouraged leaders of the community to seek ways to earn from the complex by staging cultural events so that it can have the highest level of maintenance.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for the area, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, told the gathering that she lobbied for the complex as part of a programme to ensure that citizens have proper facilities to showcase their talents.