Restoration begins at Guaracara Park

Remedial work has begun at Guaracara Park in South Trinidad, as the historic venue is officially set on a path to reclaim its status as a premier hub for sports and culture.

The refurbishment marks the end of a long period of decline for the facility, which fell into a state of disrepair following the 2018 closure of the neighbouring Petrotrin Oil Refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre.

The revitalisation follows sustained advocacy from various stakeholders, including Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath, who recently reviewed the site to monitor the progress of the long-overdue restoration.

On a recent visit last week, Bassarath, who played club cricket at the venue, said he was very pleased to see the progress of the refurbishment work, which he said was long overdue. He recalled engaging officials of Petrotrin way back in January 2022, among whom were senior manager Nicholas Hunte and Clayton Mohammed.

At the time, the Covid-19 pandemic had decimated team sports, with cricket among the major casualties, and Bassarath hoped that the restoration of the facility would help get athletes back on their feet.

​Between 1960 and 2011, Guaracara Park hosted at least 75 First-Class cricket matches and served as the home of the Beaumont Cup. The ground was the site of several legendary performances, including a double century by Phil Simmons against Guyana and record-breaking bowling figures from Prince Bartholomew and Australian Stuart McGill.

Beyond cricket, the park was the traditional home of the annual Southern Games, attracting thousands for international athletics and cycling. Its strategic location and accessibility also made it a preferred venue for sold-out cultural events, which significantly bolstered the economic activity of the Marabella community.

​Clyde LaBorde of the Guaracara Holding Company, which is spearheading the remedial project, confirmed that significant progress has been made since work commenced in March. Initial phases have focused on relaying the playing wicket and grading and compacting the outfield, alongside the demolition of a dilapidated pavilion and the renovation of another. Additionally, crews have cleared perimeter vegetation and readied the training grounds and nets at the south-eastern end for use.

​Plans are also in motion for the installation of a modern electronic scoreboard. Project officials have expressed optimism that corporate partnerships will assist in offsetting the costs of the extensive restoration work.

The return of Guaracara Park takes on added significance following the government’s decision to restrict the use of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, and the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain, for public events such as Carnival fetes. With elite sporting venues being preserved strictly for competition, the restoration of Guaracara Park provides a critical multi-purpose alternative for both the sporting and cultural communities in South Trinidad.