Albion Sports Ground gets $110M lighting system

The Albion Sports Ground, Region Six can now cater for a host of events following the installation of a state-of-the-art lighting system costing close to $110M.

GINA said that President Donald Ramotar commissioned the system on Monday.  “Cricket is changing in its nature, and therefore, if Berbice is to continue playing an important role and making an important contribution to Guyana and West Indies cricket, we need to put the infrastructure in place to deal with the changing nature of the game itself, and thus, these lights are extremely important in that regard,” Ramotar said, according to GINA.

President Donald Ramotar facing the first ball to be played under floodlights at the Albion Sports Ground. (GINA photo)
President Donald Ramotar facing the first ball to be played under floodlights at the Albion Sports Ground. (GINA photo)

He noted that “Berbice has always produced a rich crop of cricketers for us”.

One of the new floodlights at the Albion Sports Complex (GINA photo)
One of the new floodlights at the Albion Sports Complex (GINA photo)

GINA said that the Albion ground has been the venue for first class cricket matches with five One Day International games played between 1977 and 1985.

GINA said that a Management Committee comprising Vemen Walters, Omesh Shrikishun, Anil Beharry, Imran Saccoor and Pawaan Baldeo, CEO of the Albion Sports Complex, was installed to oversee the project.

The project was launched a few months ago and saw the erection of six towers with 17 lights on each pole, totalling 102 -1500 watts bulbs being powered by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. A generator will be acquired to ensure a steady electrical supply, GINA said.

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony highlighted the passion of Berbice residents for the game, noting that the lights are a good investment especially for budding cricketers.

The lights were mounted by Musco Sports Lighting of Iowa, USA; the same company that installed the lights at the Guyana National Stadium, GINA said.

President Donald Ramotar flicking the switch. Also in photo are former West Indian Cricket Captain Clive Lloyd (third from left) and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (second from right). (GINA photo)
President Donald Ramotar flicking the switch. Also in photo are former West Indian Cricket Captain Clive Lloyd (third from left) and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (second from right). (GINA photo)