BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Government has honoured the contractual agreement with organizers of the Caribbean Premier League by paying its dues on time for the staging of matches in the Federation this year.
Controversy erupted last year after the Government of National Unity revealed that no monies were budgeted for the hosting of matches by their predecessor.
This saw the Government missing several deadlines to make the payment.
At a press conference on Wednesday (Apr. 13) at the Yu Lounge, Minister of Sports the Hon. Shawn Richards explained that this year the Government has made a payment of over US$1M.
“In the first instance, this year we are actually up to date with our payment. As a matter of fact, all of the payments has been made; the contract stipulate that this year a total of US$1.75M.”
He continued: “The first payment of US$1M would have been due on February 14, the second payment of US$500,000 on March 14, and the third payment on April 14 of US$250,000. As I have said, we have made all our payment to date.”
Last year the Minister had informed that the Labour Administration had “committed the Government to a cost of 7.25 million USD to be paid in five annual instalments for the period 2015-2019.”
“I must unfortunately say that the said contract amount was not appropriated for in the 2015 Budget Estimates,” Richards told a media conference in 2015 at the launch of the Patriots in the Federation.
He however pointed out that unlike last year steps had been taken to avoid a repetition.
“Unlike the situation last year, we ensured that we properly budgeted for the hosting of CPL games here in St. Kitts and Nevis this year.”
According to the Minister, provisions were made in the Government's appropriation amounting to some $5.3M for the hosting of four matches in this year’s tournament.
Richards also noted that the extra amount takes into consideration maintenance of the Warner Park facility.
The Federation’s leg of the tournament bowls off on June 30 with the SKN Patriots playing against the Guyana Amazons, after which action continues on July 2,3 and 5.
This year St. Kitts and Nevis will host less matches as neutral games have been switched to Florida.
