Above: St Croix (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The long-awaited reconstruction of the Paul Joseph Stadium in St Croix is moving forward.

US Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh has signed a contract with General Engineering Corporation for the reconstruction project.

The $20 million project includes the demolition of the existing structure, along with a new stadium, Little League field, sports complex and carnival village, among other features.

“The reconstruction of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium will have a lasting effect on St Croix, and particularly Frederiksted,” de Jongh said in a statement. “When the project is completed, in about 30 months, we will be able to attract athletic tournaments, races, exhibitions and any number of events to St Croix.”

The stadium was named after Joseph, a local lawmaker, publisher and civil rights activist.

“I believe that the sports complex will have a major economic impact on the island, as it is estimated that the new facility could attract up to 80 sanctioned events each year,” de Jongh said. “I am so pleased that this project is finally going forward, as it has been an initiative high on my agenda for several years now.”