Western Bureau

The impasse that was threatening the staging of the planned ICC World Cup 2007 warm-up cricket matches at Jarrett Park is now over and from all indication it has turned out to be win-win situation for Montego Bay.

The Jarrett Park Manage-ment Committee (JPMC), which had threatened not to make the park available for cricket unless provisions were made to facilitate Wray & Nephew National Premier League (NPL) teams Wadadah FC and Seba United else-where, has confirmed that government has decided to upgrade the new Catherine Hall stadium to host football.

The new development, which will afford the city's sporting enthusiasts the opportunity to see the warm-up cricket matches and still having the privilege of seeing our two NPL teams in action, is just about the best thing that could have come out of that impasse.

As we look forward to enjoying both the football and the cricket, I believe the city owes businessman Adrian 'Harry' Grant a debt of gratitude, as he blunted the attempt of the cricket authorities to kick out the footballers from Jarrett Park without providing another facility for them.

If Montego Bay had more leaders like Mr. Grant, who is clearly not afraid to ruffle feathers in high places, I strongly believe that the authorities, especially the government leaders in Kingston, would not have gotten away with some of the disrespect they have heaped upon the west over the years.

Thanks to the militancy of Mr. Grant, the new Catherine Hall stadium, which has been in limbo for the longest while, is finally going to get some much needed attention. Even if we do not get more than the 1,500 seats to meet the JFF Wray & Nephew NPL requirement, it is much better than the cow pasture-like situation that now exists.

In addition to the football clubs, I am sure the track and field fraternity, which has been using the Catherine Hall facility for the Milo Western Relays, the ISSA Western Champion-ship and the Area One Police Sports, will welcome the stands, which should bring greater comfort to spectators.

While I know it is going to be difficult for government to come up with funding in this era of massive cost overrun on public projects and against the drum beat of the demands of teachers, nurses, police and junior doctors for increased salaries, I believe government should also consider putting in a perimeter wall and changing room facility at Catherine Hall.

With Cable & Wireless leaving the Montego Bay teams out of their multi-million sponsorship arrangement that will benefit some NPL teams, the onus will be on Wadadah and Seba United to generate their own income. Without the ability to benefit from gate receipts at Catherine Hall, the teams are bound to face serious financial problems.

I believe that as a mark of respect for what noted Montego Bay players such as Paul 'Tegat' Davis, Hector Wright, Theodore Whitmore, Durrant Brown, Warren Barrett and the late Winston 'Twinny Bug' Anglin and Stephen 'Shorty' Malcolm have done for Jamaica's football, government should complete the Catherine Hall facility as a token of its appreciation to the city.

Deep down, I believe that unlike former Prime Minister PJ Patterson and the local members of Parliament, who have basically failed western Jamaica where sporting facilities are concern, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, because of her special love for sports, will try to do better.