$1.7 Million Proposed for Major Repairs at Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex

The Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales could undergo $1.7 million repair work following the tabling in Parliament on Thursday, 8 January 2026, of the $27.3 million 2nd Second Supplementary Spending Bill for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The proposed allocation was announced on Thursday, 8 January 2026, by Premier and Minister of Public Policy, Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade, Washington Misick.

Director of Sports Jarett Forbes welcomed the development, describing the investment as both timely and critical for a facility that is nearing two decades in age.

Forbes pointed out that the last major repairs on the facility was done in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

“This is not the first work done on the Gustavus Library Sports Complex. Some repairs were carried out following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as other storm events, to address immediate damage,” he stated.

He further noted: “This is the second major refurbishment since the facility was built around 2008–2009. The works focus on original elements, including the roof and hardwood floors, along with interior repairs linked to age and water intrusion. Given that the facility is a designated hurricane shelter and Providenciales’ only public indoor sports facility, these upgrades are both timely and necessary.”

According to Forbes, the funding will focus primarily on fixing the roof and refurbishing the indoor playing floor, both of which have been in use since the complex was originally constructed nearly 20 years ago.

“The roof has been done over multiple times, and the floors are just as old as the building itself,” Forbes explained. “This upgrade will really fortify the facility, not only as a sporting venue but also as a shelter that protects the entire building.”

The Director of Sports noted that the new flooring will significantly enhance safety, usability, and performance standards, allowing the complex to better serve youth programmes and host international-calibre sporting events.

“With a new floor, we can safely host higher-level competitions. It’s necessary to do this now, before the current surface becomes unusable,” he added. “The timing is perfect—there won’t be any gaps in our ability to operate.”

In addition to the roof and floor upgrades, the project will also address internal repairs, including painting and wall restoration, following water damage caused by roof leaks over time.

While the indoor facility is being prioritized this year, Forbes confirmed that improvements to the adjoining ballpark are scheduled for the next financial year, as part of the government’s continued capital development plans for sports infrastructure.

Despite the upcoming construction work, the sports calendar remains active. Forbes confirmed that the National High School Championships are scheduled to get underway later this month, underscoring the importance of maintaining and upgrading the country’s key sporting venues.

The $1.7 million investment marks a significant step toward revitalizing one of Providenciales’ most important sporting hubs, reinforcing the government’s stated commitment to youth development, sports tourism, and community resilience.

The Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex falls under the auspices of Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services, of which Hon. Rachel Taylor, is the Minister.