The Potters community today celebrated the official groundbreaking of the highly anticipated restoration of the Potters Sports Field — a transformative project set to redefine community sports, physical and mental health education, and wellness in Antigua and Barbuda.
The restored sports field will benefit the entire Potters community as well as students from the Harrison Centre Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Studies, the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and the Potters Primary School.
The restoration is guided by a thoughtful concept design prepared by architect Jessie Gilpin, working in collaboration with United Kingdom-based architectural firm Atomik Architects, who contributed technical and design support to bring the vision to life. The upgraded facility will include:
• refurbished basketball, netball, and volleyball courts
• a cricket and football field with a pavilion
• a new baseball diamond, which will serve as home to the Antigua Little League Programme
• a children’s play area with cushioned flooring and modern equipment
• a walking track encircling the field for fitness and leisure
• floodlights, toilets, changing rooms, concession stands, and general parking.
The Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister for Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, delivered remarks, underscoring the Government’s commitment to youth development and community building.
He stated: “This project is not only about creating a sports facility. It’s about creating a hub of opportunity — for sport, for culture, for economic activity, and for dreams to be born and pursued.”
The Harrison Foundation, chaired by Sir David Harrison, is the largest donor to date of the project. Sir David, a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, remarked: “The Harrison Foundation is honoured to work with the Ministries of Sports and Foreign Affairs and the community of Potters, to redevelop this space. Initiatives such as these contribute to social cohesion as a meeting place for people of all ages and incentivizes physical and mental wellness. I look forward to seeing the project completed and for villagers, students and the wider Island to make full use of a transformed facility”.
Remarks were also delivered by His Excellency Sir Aziz Hadeed, a former resident of the village of Potters and chair of the Hadeed Group of Companies. Sir Aziz has committed financial support for this project.
The project is led and championed by Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and a proud native of Potters along with a Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is comprised of representatives from the sporting disciplines currently played on the field, community representatives and technicians.
The High Commissioner has been instrumental in organising and mobilising support for the initiative, bringing together public and private partners to invest in the village’s future.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and Her Excllency Lady Williams and His Excellency Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Seretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs.
During the ceremony, students from the Potters Primary School performed the national anthem, while musical tributes came from Da Vybez Steel Orchestra, Flora Haywood and reigning Calypso Monarch King Destroyer, all of whom are from the village of Potters.
Leaders from local sports clubs including Defante Stingers Netball, Potters Sports Club, Potters Uprising Cricket Club and the Little League Baseball Programme delivered moving words of thanks and support.
The project concept was unveiled by students from the Sir Novelle Richards Academy. Lawrence Mason served as Master of Ceremonies and the prayer of dedication was delivered by Reverend Denise Smith-Lewis.
Potters is one of Antigua and Barbuda’s largest communities. Restoring the sports field promises recreation and revitalization — boosting community morale, health, and local enterprise.