Students at John Gray High School now have access to newly completed sports fields, part of the long-awaited Project C – a key milestone in the school’s overall development plan.
The handover of the football pitches, cricket field, pickleball and basketball courts was confirmed to Cayman Independent by the education minister Rolston Anglin.
He described the completion as “critically important” for both student wellbeing and curriculum delivery.
“As you can imagine, having just over 1,300 young people on a single campus whilst we had to wait for the fields caused a number of significant issues,” Anglin said.
“This is going to provide critically important spaces for young people to play pick-up games and just burn off energy during break and lunchtime.”
The new outdoor spaces, including artificial turf pitches, are designed to support recreational and competitive sports, as well as the school’s physical education programme.
Anglin said the additions will help deliver “world-class PE instruction” in line with the ministry’s educational goals.
Though a formal opening ceremony is still to come, the facilities are already in use by students.
“We wanted to signal that the project is complete,” Anglin said. “Inspections have been done, it’s been delivered.”
The minister also addressed public interest in accessing the new fields.
He said that while the education ministry eventually plans to allow community use, initial access will remain for students and staff to ensure proper familiarisation and maintenance.
“We are going to manage these facilities very carefully,” he said, noting that only specific footwear will be permitted on the turf to protect its surface.
“That involves responsibility from everyone who uses these pitches – staff, students and eventually community members.”
At present, the lack of independent changing rooms poses a challenge for broader public use.
Anglin, who also serves as finance minister, said securing funding for additional infrastructure is a priority.
“It’s not an issue for students because they already have access to changing rooms on campus,” he said.
“But if we want seamless community use, we will need a dedicated changing block.”
