The Jamaican government has declared its intention to pursue negotiated settlements with key stakeholders to address the substantial financial debt of Kingston’s iconic Sabina Park cricket ground, rather than seizing control of the national asset. Sport Minister Olivia Grange articulated this position during a parliamentary session of the Standing Finance Committee, which convened to review the 2026-27 Expenditure Estimates.
The discussion emerged in response to inquiries from Opposition MP Dennis Gordon, who highlighted the deteriorating condition of the facility and ongoing ownership disputes between Kingston Cricket Club and Sabina Park Holdings regarding the venue’s corporate boxes. Gordon pressed the minister on plans to normalize operations and ensure financial returns on government investments.
Minister Grange confirmed that her administration would engage the Jamaica Cricket Association and Kingston Cricket Club in substantive dialogues to resolve the complex ownership structure. While acknowledging the government’s legal authority to assume control, she emphasized a preference for collaborative resolution. “Government could just go and take it over but we don’t want to do that. We’re going to sit with all stakeholders,” Grange stated.
Despite the financial complications, the government has initiated rehabilitation efforts at the heritage site, including installing new electronic scoreboards and upgraded lighting systems. Grange affirmed continued infrastructure improvements while stressing the necessity of regularizing ownership arrangements as public investment continues.
The debt crisis traces back to the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, when reconstruction costs reportedly reached $1.2 billion before escalating dramatically, eventually requiring arbitration between the government and contractors.
In related developments, Minister Grange revealed plans to divest the underutilized Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, another World Cup venue constructed with a $30 million Chinese loan. An enterprise team is being formed to evaluate privatization options and transform the facility into a sports tourism hub, responding to concerns about its current state of disrepair raised by former cricketer MP Wavell Hinds.