A senior athletics instructor and strategist with the Grenada Government is calling for a ban on cultural events at the national sports stadium at Queen's Park, St. George's.

The official called for the ban in light of growing concerns that Grenada can loose out on international events if the stadium is allowed to be misused or turned into an exclusive cultural entertainment center.

Speaking to GRENADA TODAY last week regarding the upcoming athletics season and the promotion of the stadium as a major cultural center, the sporting instructor said that a much more serious approach should be taken towards sports and the proper use and development of sporting facilities in Grenada.

He suggested that the Minister of Sports and Culture should make moves to stop the misuse of the national stadium and to ensure that the Seamoon Cultural center in St. Andrew's serve its intended purpose. The senior sports educator felt that too often the National stadium and other sporting facilities on the island are used for the wrong purpose and the authorities turning a blind eye to these wrong-doings.

"I can tell you quite frankly, most of these so-called promoters of these cultural events do not have sports at heart and they are only concerned about making quick money", he said. "They don't even sponsor sporting events, so how can they be encouraged or allowed to degrade our sporting facilities whenever and however they want", he added.

The official indicated that a proper and much more effective national sports policy embracing the whole aspect of sporting facilities should be put in place if Grenada is to be serious about sports and its development.

A few years ago the governments of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica took the decision to stop cultural events at their national stadiums. It was also reported that millions of dollars had to be spent on relaying the track at one of Trinidad's athletic stadiums because of damage. The official also spoke about the clashing of two events at the national stadium on February 28 between the Grenada Football Association (GFA), and a local cultural outfit known as Q-West Promotions

He lamented the fact that the GFA was promoting an international football game while Q-West at the same time was promoting a reggae concert for the national stadium. When contacted, a senior member of football association confirmed on Monday that structures are in place for the month-end football game between Grenada and Guyana at the national stadium.

Despite efforts made earlier this week, GRENADA TODAY was unable to reach the promoters of the show and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports for comment on the issue of the clash of events at the stadium.