The $12 million addition will make Beausejour a National Sports Centre complete with cricket grounds, an indoor sports facility, and a six-court tennis centre.

​Saint Lucia is one step closer to the construction of a National Aquatic Centre.

On Thursday, April 23, the Republic of China (Taiwan) contributed EC$1,055,290.54 in grant funds, to be used for commencement work.

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony said Saint Lucia ought not to view the $12 million investment in the National Aquatic Centre simply as facilitating a sport. It is vital, he said, that citizens are taught this life skill.

“Being able to swim is a matter of life or death,” said Dr. Anthony at the cheque presentation ceremony held in the Cabinet Room of the Office of the Prime Minister. Sadly, we have witnessed over the years far too many unfortunate lives lost in our waters due to persons being unable to swim—unable to contend with the sea. It is a shameful reality that despite being surrounded by the waters of the Caribbean and the Atlantic, the vast majority of our population cannot swim or stay afloat in these waters. This we need to change, and while infrastructure alone is not the answer, it is a major step in the right direction.”

He also explained the rationale for the selected location of the facility.

“This $12 million project will realize the dream of Beausejour becoming a National Sports Centre,” he said. “It already houses the Beausejour Cricket Grounds which hosts international-level cricket matches, the Beausejour Indoor Sports Facility, and the six court National Tennis Centre. The proposed location is on approximately 2.5 acres of land immediately east of the Beausejour Cricket Grounds at the junction of the Beausejour and Comerette roads. The land is currently owned by the National Lotteries Authority, and as such no land acquisition is required.”

The Prime Minister thanked the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its continued support in all sectors. The cheque was presented by His Excellency James Chang, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia.

Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Parliamentary Representative for Gros-Islet, as well as representatives from the Saint Lucia Amateur Swimming Association and the Saint Lucia Lifesaving Association were in attendance.