No certification issues for new track - Rekortan

JAMAICA’S NEW national-colours-themed track at the National Stadium will not lose its Grade One certification, so says the man behind its development, Don Lockerbie.

The track, which was completed ahead of schedule this week, a full two weeks before the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girl’ Athletics Championships, came in for criticism from various stakeholders not long after the announcement of that completion.

The criticisms surround suggestions that the track, which has a Grade One classification from World Athletis, which means it stands up to international standards and can be used for international-quality meets with as high a benchmark as the Olympics or the World Championships, a plus for ratifying world records and the like, would be downgraded to at least a level below.

So loud were the criticisms that it prompted Wavell Hinds, opposition spokesman on sports, to ask some questions.

“There needs to be full disclosure on this matter. Has the contractor produced the necessary World Athletics certification to confirm that the track meets the highest global standards? If not, what are the reasons for the delay, and what steps are being taken to address any shortcomings?” Hinds had asked.

However, Rekortan vice-president Tim Jordan has sought to reassure track and field fans that there would be no issues with the track’s certification in the near future.

“The resurfacing work has been completed to an exceptional standard. The quality of the track is fantastic and second to none, especially considering the work done on top of the existing surface,” said Jordan.

The concerns were important to address given the country’s position as first host venue for the Grand Slam Track series.

Don Lockerbie, the venue director of the Grand Slam Series, also believes there is nothing to worry about.

WORLD-CLASS CONDITION

“The track is currently in world-class condition and will perform beautifully. It meets the highest international standards, and any records set here will stand. The certification remains Class One, valid for the next five years,” said Lockerbie.

The track has an eye-catching design, with gold highlights at two of the three relay change zones, splashing against a circle of green. That green is also enhanced by a black infield on either end of the football field where events like the high jump, discus, javelin, and shot put take place. The runway leading to the sandpit for the long and triple jumps is also gold.

There are still other questions coming ffrom the Opposition spokesman, though, with Hinds asking about the procurement process that led to Rikerton winning the bid to re-lay the surface.

“The public deserves to know who is footing the bill for this project, whether the contractor has been fully paid, and if all necessary standards were adhered to before payments were finalised,” said Hines.