Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, was presented with the symbolic key to the National Stadium during a ceremony at the multi-million dollar facility last week Saturday.

The presentation was made by leader of the Chinese delegation Wang Rumsheng. Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese official said this was a joyous occasion for the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC)  to hand over such a gift to the Grenadian people.

The presentation took place as the country prepares to celebrate 33 years as an Independent State from Great Britain on February 7, 1974. Prime Minister  Mitchell was seen smiling as he stepped forward to receive the long awaited keys to the national stadium and pronounced that this was the biggest key he had ever seen.

Beijing rebuilt the stadium at the same venue of the first national stadium that collapsed during the passage of Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. The Mitchell government decided to dump its long-standing friend, the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan for Mainland China which offered the regime a larger financial package.
In brief remarks, Dr. Mitchell said the completion of the stadium project by the deadline is a testimony of the Chinese commitment to the relationship between Grenada and China.

Resident PRC ambassador, Qian Hongshan, said that the stadium is not only the pride of Grenada but also China. He pointed out that Beijing had done its best to provide assistance to Grenada post Hurricane Ivan and that his country will continue to do so whenever possible.

Minister for Sports, Roland Bhola, described the event as part of a fulfillment of NNP's ³good vision² for the island and will have far reaching implications for the people. He recalled that when the Chinese embarked on the project just over a year ago many doubted whether the facility will be ready in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup to start next month.

The fact that the task was accomplished, he said, this goes to show that with unity anything can be achieved. A national blessing has been planned for the stadium on  February 25 by the Mitchell government.