Friday, November 6 2009

ONE day after Sports Minister Gary Hunt confirmed that the real cost of the controversial flag at the Hasely Crawford Stadium is $2 million, Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert was reluctant to tell the media whether or not, the cost of the new building being built at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s was $10 million.

Addressing the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, Imbert said: “I have been given a figure but I’m not sure how accurate the figure is.” Revealing that the figure he was given is $10 million, the minister added: “ If the figure is accurate, it certainly is value for money. It is way below market value.” Imbert grinned as he mentioned certain media reports which referred to the building as a concert hall.

“You all (media) are very creative. It is an outdoor stage. It is a stage that allows for outdoor performances,” he said. Imbert added that the building should be finished by the end of the year. The Diplomatic Centre will be the venue for the leaders’ retreat of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on November 29.

A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday said the building will also include media and drivers’ lounges, garage facilities and was always part of the original concept of the official residence and Diplomatic Centre.