Potter Unveils Adoption Of Lionel Roberts Stadium By Private Firm Through New Initiative

ST. THOMAS — Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter held a press conference on the grounds of Lionel Roberts Stadium on Tuesday to announce International Capital & Management Company’s adoption of the same stadium through the Sports, Parks and Creation Adoption Team (SPRAT) program, a press release Mr. Potter’s office issued has revealed.

According to the release, the SPRAT program is a public/private partnership designed to foster serious and long-term relationships with public sports, parks and recreation facilities, which will see participating firms maintaining the adopted facilities; a move Mr. Potter says will benefit the territory’s residents —  especially its youths.

The stadium, a baseball park, is also commonly used for football, soccer, concerts, shows, and a variety of community events throughout the year, according to the release.

International Capital & Management Company has agreed to cover the regular maintenance expenses of the stadium, which includes the facility’s lights, seating, restrooms, scoreboard and grounds, among other maintenance work.

Mr. Potter presented the certificate of adoption to the firm, which was represented by Cornel Williams, president and chief executive officer, and Karen Nelson-Hughes, director of community relations. Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation Assistant Commissioner Calvert White joined Mr. Potter during the official presentation, according to the release.

“I am excited that International Capital Management has joined the SPRAT program. This is a major step in the public/private partnership and we look forward to seeing much needed improvement in the facilities at Lionel Roberts Stadium,” the territory’s second in command said.

According to the release, International Capital & Management Company has been actively involved in community engagement, and the adoption of the stadium through SPRAT adds to the various community programs it already supports. The respectable list includes Cancer Support VI; American Cancer Society Relay for Life, St. Thomas; Reichhold Center for the Arts; Jazz in the Park; and Entrepreneur Business Institute.

The capital management firm is the second private company that has joined the recently launched SPRAT program, the release states. Former Senator Allison Petrus, a local business entrepreneur, was the first team member with the adoption of the Emile Griffith Ball Park on Veterans Drive here. Many other businesses have inquired and have expressed serious interest in the SPRAT program and will be revealed to the community soon.

Mr. Potter, who initiated the SPRAT Program, thanked International Capital & Management Company for its commitment and support, and encouraged other local businesses to give back to the community by the adoption of other sports, parks & recreation facilities throughout the territory, the release concluded.

Persons interested in adopting facilities are encouraged to contact Diana Brown in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at 340-774-2991, extension 4114.