In less than two years since its February 2024 inauguration, the Giskar Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Facility has established itself as a transformative sporting institution in southern Trinidad. This world-class indoor complex located in Boodoo Trace, Debe has successfully addressed longstanding infrastructure deficiencies that previously hindered athletic development in the region.
The facility represents a significant advancement for cricket training in Trinidad and Tobago, featuring three full-length indoor practice lanes equipped with state-of-the-art bowling machines, specialized lighting systems, and integrated video analysis technology. This controlled environment enables year-round training unaffected by weather conditions, providing both emerging talents and established national cricketers with previously unavailable technical refinement opportunities.
Under the leadership of owner and director Keshava Ramphal—a High Performance Level 3 cricket coach and performance analyst with Cricket West Indies—the facility combines elite-level expertise with grassroots development initiatives. Ramphal’s current involvement with West Indies Under-19, West Indies A Team, and West Indies Academy programs brings professional standards to the facility’s operations.
The complex extends beyond cricket training to include a comprehensively equipped gym designed for sport-specific conditioning, strength development, and injury prevention. A dedicated health and recovery zone offers therapy services, ice baths, and structured wellness programs, addressing what facility manager Satesh Persaud describes as “an essential but often overlooked component of long-term athlete development.”
Giskar’s reputation has attracted numerous top-tier cricketers including Evin Lewis, Denesh Ramdin, Jason Mohammed, and national youth players Mbeki Joseph and Ryan Bandoo. During the recent CG United Super50 Cup, both Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Leeward Islands Hurricanes utilized the facility for match preparations.
Co-owner Shirley Ann Ramphal, holding a Master’s degree in biodiversity and conservation, has expanded the facility’s role to include corporate functions, fitness classes, and community wellness initiatives. The venue now serves as a hub for surrounding clubs and schools including Victoria Sports Club, Woodland Sports Club, and Presentation College San Fernando.
Testimonials from athletes highlight the facility’s impact. West Indies Academy player Steffi Soogrim, currently recovering from injury, noted the convenience of having world-class training infrastructure in southern Trinidad. Emerging all-rounder Ryan Bandoo, despite traveling from Couva, emphasized how the batting machines and specialized equipment have accelerated his development.
With plans to launch a sporting goods store by year’s end and increasing regional demand, Giskar Sports is positioning itself as the Southern Caribbean’s flagship venue for comprehensive athlete development and community engagement.