Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Investments and Transportation Michael Freeland and Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom and CHOGM 2026 National Focal Point, have toured the Potters Playing Field redevelopment project to assess construction progress as the country's November deadline draws closer.
Freeland, who represents the St. George constituency, joined H.E. Hill for the walkthrough, which was led by Prince Charles, the project's head and one of its trustees. The tour covered all phases of the redevelopment currently underway at the multi-sport complex.
The centrepiece of the project is a set of three hard courts — basketball, netball, and volleyball — each with its own covered stand and a seating capacity of approximately 225. Contractor Agile Courts Construction has been engaged to resurface the courts, install lighting, apply line markings, and fit security fencing, glass wall rings, and polyvinyl nets. All lighting has already been procured and is on site awaiting installation.
The adjacent multi-purpose field will accommodate football and cricket. Officials were informed that the field currently sits approximately 16 inches below its target grade, with drainage infrastructure to be installed before sodding can begin. Grassing is targeted for August.
The broader facility is expected to be substantially complete by September 30, 2026 — two months before Commonwealth heads of government convene in St. John's from November 1 to 4. Charles outlined phased completion targets across the facility: the stand and hard-court area by September, the pool section by October, and baseball infrastructure around the same period. An electrical room on the east-southern side of the complex will power lighting throughout the site, with solar infrastructure also planned.
The question of existing Public Works structures on the property was raised during the tour. At least one occupant has a disability, and Charles made clear that displacement was not the project's intent. A proposal was discussed to repurpose the structures into offices and modular workshop spaces, with courts assigned to individual sports use.
Security and pedestrian access were also addressed, with officials noting that children regularly use the site as a shortcut to school. Suggestions included stationing a police officer in the area during peak hours and installing seating to encourage more structured use of the space.
High Commissioner Hill, whose office has coordinated closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat on CHOGM preparations, serves as the government's primary liaison for the November summit, underscoring the significance of the event to Antigua and Barbuda.
