Prime Minister Gaston Browne said proposed sports facilities in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) manifesto are more practical and achievable than what he described as an “outlandish” project put forward by the United Progressive Party (UPP).

Speaking on the party’s plans, Browne pointed to the construction of a modern indoor multi-sports complex and a new aquatic centre, along with upgrades to existing facilities including the track at JSC and the motorsport racetrack at North Sound.

“Our manifesto speaks to a new modern indoor multi-sports facility… and this is certainly within our capacity,” Browne said.

He said the aquatic facility would also be modern but appropriately scaled, adding that the approach is focused on meeting national needs without excessive cost.

Browne also addressed the condition of the JSC track, saying it has deteriorated and requires rehabilitation, while noting that a few million dollars would be spent to upgrade the motorsport facility at North Sound.

In contrast, he criticized the opposition’s proposed multi-sports arena, arguing that it would cost more than $1 billion and lacks a clear funding source.

“When we costed the facility that they proposed to build, it will cost over a billion dollars, and we keep asking where the money is going to come from,” Browne said.

He described the opposition’s proposal as “outlandish” and “ostentatious,” while maintaining that the ABLP’s plans are grounded in affordability and implementation.

Browne also noted that the North Sound racetrack was established by his administration as he outlined the party’s infrastructure commitments ahead of the April 30 general election.