Due to delays in the rehabilitation of the Dennery playing field, the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL) playoffs have been postponed to October.
An SPFL spokesperson announced that after meeting with district league representatives last Thursday, it was confirmed that the Dennery facility is still unavailable. They expect the venue to be ready for competitive matches by next month.
At a media briefing on Monday, Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir provided further details. He explained that the delays were caused by inclement weather and other technical issues. “The Dennery playing field was earmarked for significant upgrades, including seating and toilet facilities for patrons,” he said.
Casimir added, “The contractor had set a timeline for completing the seating and covering of the facility by last week. However, heavy rains over a two-week period compromised and flooded the job site, pushing back the completion timetable.”
The minister also mentioned that Mindoo Phillip Park was considered as an alternative venue, with plans to install lights. Significant work has been done at MPP, including improvements to the stands, washroom facilities, and pavilion.
However, due to “shipment issues,” this project is also incomplete. Following a recent meeting with tournament organizers, Minister Casimir stated that a new date for the completion of the SPFL tournament will be provided.
The SPFL playoffs, originally scheduled for September 21 and 22, will now take place next month.