Statement On The Venue For The Test Match

STATEMENT FROM THE HON. PRIME MINISTER BALDWIN SPENCER

On behalf of the people of Antigua and Barbuda, the Government expresses its deep regret over the circumstances which caused the cancellation of the second West Indies/England Test Match at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

Fortunately, there is the option of relocating the match to the Antigua Recreation Ground.

To this end, the Government will mobilize all resources necessary to ensure that the Antigua Recreation Ground is prepared to the standards required to guarantee the safety of players and the convenience of spectators for the start of the rescheduled Second Test on Sunday.

Related to this, it is my intention to commission an investigation into the unacceptable condition of the outfield at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
There can be lessons in today’s aborted test match that may preempt any such occurrence in cricket in the future.

I apologize to the players and spectators for today’s unfortunate development.

I extend particular apologies to the thousands of cricketing fans from the United Kingdom whose presence richly enhances the contest between the home team and England.

Antigua and Barbuda owes them a stay with us that will be memorable not for today’s debacle, but for the warmth of our hospitality and for the excitement of the Test Match that will commence on Sunday.