Sports Minister Darryl Smith has announced that the controversial Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba is to be opened by mid-2016, years after it was scheduled to be completed in time for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
While the legendary Lara, after whom the facility was named, is happy that some attention is being paid to the stadium, he is contemplating whether or not he wants his name associated when it is completed.
Smith, Lara, members of the Cricket Board, The Urban Development Company (UdeCott) and project managers yesterday visited the stadium which was initially set to be constructed at a cost of $500m in 2006, but which was riddled with cost overruns over the years.
Following a tour of the site, Smith told members of the media that completing the stadium was a mandate from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
"As you know, there are many issues with this facility, but we are hearing good news this morning that there is some light over the horizon with regards to starting back as early as January. We are going to be doing the tenders and so on and somewhere next year or so, we are hoping to have an opening."
Udecott chairman Noel Garcia also assured that the structural integrity of the building is sound. "Udecott has commissioned a structural review and I am pleased to say that the structure has been found to be sound and there are no major issues with the structure. Therefore we can push ahead to start this project in January. We are hoping to substantially complete somewhere in June."
He said when the project is finished, the nation will be proud of it.
However, NLBA architect Raul Poon King who has been involved with the ICC requirements for cricket stadiums, said he was not too happy with the present state of the facility, but noted the reconstruction challenges were doable.
He said the contractors are working on a $90 million budget. He added: "like any renovation, when you touch it, you really start to find out what's inside. But the structure seems sound."
Smith, who was visiting the facility for the first time, could not give a completion cost. He said because the project was stalled for five years, moving forward and getting it completed was all that mattered. "In moving forward we must forget the past, dust ourselves off and take a positive approach to getting it done. At the end of the day, it is the taxpayers money. It is the people's money. It is not mine, it is not Mr Lara's, it's nobody here own."
Smith said he was not in a position to give a final figure. "But it is a positive start with regards to the fact that we could actually make a decision."
He said the price of oil and gas will be taken into consideration to ensure the project does not go over the budget.
He noted the failure for Trinidad and Tobago and West Indian cricket to be denied another state-of-the-art venue for cricket all those years, was disheartening, not just for him, but for the entire country.
Lara agreed. "I think the minister said it right. It is disheartening, disappointing for something that was so close to completion to be left alone and to arrive back with it to this stage is for me a very sad moment. I am a bit happy that something might be done in the near future. I don't think there should be any rush. I think it should be pretty much well planned working forward. Cricket season is not until January, which is impossible for this year. Maybe 2017 we might be looking at something a little better."
Lara said while he was not consulted much in the past: "and I am not asking for the minister's position, I am sure I am going to be consulted on this occasion, because it bears my name and I am known for playing very long innings. But sometimes you have to declare your hand and I am definitely going to be making a decision on the future of my name at this venue. I have been through about 11 tumultuous years with what has happened with this place and I personally don't think I could take anymore."
Lara said he is hopeful that the Rowley administration could see the light and what's possible at Tarouba.