ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Sports Field Lighting Upgrades Planned Across Aruba as Minister Gerlien Croes says several sports facilities across the island will receive new or renovated lighting while the government continues reviewing the management of the Joe Laveist Sport Park.
Speaking in an interview, Minister Croes questioned why decisions regarding sports facility maintenance have appeared inconsistent. She noted that Fundacion Facilidadnan Deportivo (FFD) previously stated it could not repair the lighting system at Joe Laveist Sport Park, resulting in the temporary closure of the facility.
However, Croes pointed out that work was later carried out on the lighting at Winston Field, raising questions about why similar repairs could not have been completed at Joe Laveist. She added that the lighting at Winston has since also been lowered as part of ongoing improvements.
The minister confirmed that the government is moving ahead with a broader program to upgrade lighting at sports venues across Aruba. Several facilities are expected to receive either completely new lighting systems or significant renovations, including RCA’s sports field.
Croes said the government is still waiting to locate the transfer dossier related to the Joe Laveist Sport Park before opening formal discussions with Aruba Sport Unie (ASU) regarding the facility’s future management and responsibilities.
She also acknowledged ongoing concerns surrounding FFD and said the government is awaiting the outcome of a legal review. According to the minister, the investigation is currently in the hands of legal counsel, and further information about the findings and any next steps will be shared once the review has been completed.
The government says its objective is to improve sports infrastructure across Aruba while ensuring facilities are properly managed and maintained for athletes and the wider community.
