Saint Lucia’s main stadium set for major rehabilitation following years of disruption

by Michael Bascombe

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA, May 27, 2026 – Alfred Emmanuel says Saint Lucia is moving closer to restoring its main athletics facility to full operational capacity following years of disruption caused by the prolonged use of the stadium as a temporary medical facility.

Speaking during Saturday’s edition of the TalkSports programme, the President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Inc. provided an encouraging update on the situation surrounding the George Odlum Stadium, which has been significantly affected since the aftermath of the fire at St Jude Hospital.

“Well, the good news is the St Jude Hospital has been recommissioned,” Emmanuel revealed.

The George Odlum Stadium, located in Vieux Fort, has served multiple roles over the years, including accommodating medical services following the devastating 2009 fire that severely damaged St Jude Hospital.

Its prolonged use outside of sport posed major challenges for the development of athletics and limited Saint Lucia’s ability to host large-scale regional competitions.

According to Emmanuel, the relocation process is now nearing completion.

“It’s just a matter of time for them to relocate themselves in the facility and vacate the stadium,” he explained.

The veteran sports administrator also disclosed that the Saint Lucian government has already taken steps to begin the next phase of the rehabilitation process.

“I know that the government has taken proactive steps in establishing a stadium rehabilitation committee,” Emmanuel stated.

“So very soon, work will be on its way to rehab the facility.”

The update is expected to bring optimism to athletes, coaches, and sporting federations in Saint Lucia, particularly those involved in track and field, football, and other sports that rely heavily on the stadium.

Emmanuel noted that rehabilitation work has become increasingly urgent because the current athletics track has already exceeded its certified lifespan.

“It will be very timely because the current track at the stadium would have outlived its certification lifespan,” he explained.

Internationally certified tracks require periodic resurfacing and recertification to maintain standards necessary for hosting recognised competitions and recording official performances.

For years, concerns have been raised locally about the condition of the facility and the limitations placed on athlete preparation and competition opportunities.

Saint Lucia previously hosted the CARIFTA Games in 2009 and has long been viewed as one of the Caribbean territories capable of staging major regional sporting events.

However, the stadium situation significantly impacted those ambitions in recent years.

Despite the prolonged challenges, Emmanuel expressed confidence that the country is now moving in the right direction.

“Everything is just falling into place,” he said. “But hopefully, in 2027, we should be able to have the stadium back to full capacity.”