As Jamaica prepares for Hurricane Beryl, operators of the country’s major sports venues say they have taken measures to prevent significant damage to their facilities.
The island is expected to start feeling the effects of the Category 5 hurricane from Wednesday. Beryl has already caused major damage in other Caribbean countries, including Grenada. The Jamaica Meteorological Service said heavy rains and extensive flooding are possible over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The National Stadium is managed by Independence Park Limited (IPL) and general manager Desmon Brown said staff had completed hurricane preparations early on Tuesday morning.
“We are, as always, removing all objects that could cause damage,” he said.
Jamaica Observer. “We’ve taped up the windows and covered the computers, printers and other equipment. Other than that, it’s mostly concrete so there’s not much we can do. We’re just making sure the drains aren’t clogged.”
Concerns that have been raised so far include broken pipes and various leaks, but with heavy rain expected, Brown doesn’t think that will be an issue.
“I’m not worried because it only happens when we’re using the (water) system and there’s a lot of spectators, so it could happen, but it’s not a big concern. Our main concern is making sure there’s no flying debris, making sure the drains are clear. Those are the two main things we’re checking.”
National Aquatics Centre facilities manager Raymond Hall said potential flooding could pose problems for the stadium’s pool.
“One of the main areas we normally try to protect ourselves from is water running off the road into the pool,” Hall told the Observer.
“We’re going to put sandbags there and dig a trench to divert most of the water that’s coming towards the pool.
“That’s where the problem usually lies – water coming off the road and the arena runs through the lobby area and into the pool. Other than that, the less damage there is, the better.”
The Observer did not receive a response from the Jamaica Cricket Board regarding Sabina Park, but chairman Donovan Bennett, who returned from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados on Monday, said staff were in place to ensure work was carried out.
The Montego Bay Sports Complex at Catherine Hall in St. James is also one of the country’s most used arenas. The Observer has not received a response from Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon, but discussions involving St. James city officials are believed to have continued into Tuesday afternoon.
