It’s now called Independence Park!

As of Monday, October 27, 2025, what for many decades has been known as Victoria Park, is now to be called Independence Park.
Announcement of the name change was made by Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves as he delivered his Independence Day address to packed stands at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.
“The idea of our historic park in the Year of Our Lord, 2025, still bearing the name of a 19 th Century British queen…is entirely preposterous,” the Prime Minister said, as he neared the end of his address which went just beyond one hour.

The pavilions at the park will also bear the names of deceased icons in the sporting and cultural arenas “who have deep connections historically” with the venue, that currently is also referred to as Carnival City.
The main stand is being named after the late national, regional and West Indian cricketer, Alfie Roberts. The double decker stand will be named the Mason/Boucher Stand “as memorials to the legendary fast bowler Frank Mason, and two Bouchers,” Paul, who served as groundsman and caretaker of the park for decades, and Rudy Boucher “arguably the best footballer this country has ever produced”. The Third stand, the East Stand, will bear the name of Roy “Dragon” Ralph, legendary mas band leader and mas player; while the fourth
stand, the West Stand, will be named after Walton “Tanny” Peters, pan player and calypso composer.

The Prime Minister also said the renaming of certain streets, sporting facilities, and buildings “will be rolled out in memory of our distinguished personalities, now deceased in all areas of life and production”.
For a number of years, the current administration has raised the issue of the renaming of structures, landmarks, and communities, vestiges of the nation’s colonial legacy. The Prime Minister indicated on Monday night that it was past time for action to be taken.
“We have been talking about this for a long time. Government can’t be a continuous university seminar; we have to take decisions, and we have taken the decisions. Farewell to Victoria, welcome to Independence Park,” the Prime Minister said, to loud applause.