Jamaica to resume sports ‘on a case by case basis’ without spectators

According to sport Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange provision for the resumption of sports has been included in the Disaster Risk Management (Enforcement Measures) (No. 2) Order, 2021.

“Under the order, organisers of sports events must first send an application to the director of sports in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.  We will review the application to see that it meets the requirements as outlined in this order and transmit it to the director general of ODPEM (Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management).  If the ODPEM is satisfied, after consultation with the Ministry of Health, that the venue is appropriate, and that sanitisation, mask-wearing and distancing protocols will be strictly observed, then the ODPEM will approve the application for the specific training and/or competition to take place at the specified place and time.  This is the process and we all must follow this process,” Grange outlined.

The order mandates that sports events may be held only at venues that are enclosed with perimeter fencing; where there is access to proper sanitary conveniences; and at places that are conducive to appropriate security measures.

The minister is emphasing that “no spectator will be allowed at sports competitions or training sessions at this time”.

She says each sporting activity must involve “regular cleaning of gear and equipment and the taking of the temperature of all athletes, coaches and officials who must be the only people allowed at the sports event”.

Each person at a sport event must wear a mask, except when participating in any strenuous activity or water activity, and the person shall change the mask at least every four hours or upon the mask becoming wet.

The order also mandates that there shall be no unnecessary contact between persons (such as hugging, high-fives or touching) and personal items such as water bottles or towels shall not be shared.

“I am happy that this new Order has made provision for sporting events. We had been lobbying on behalf of sporting bodies to receive special exemptions for their events to take place.  Now that the Order has made provision for sports events, I am asking those sports bodies including the JAAA, boxing, swimming and others to resubmit their applications — no longer asking for exemption, but to stage their events, including training sessions, under the provisions of this new order,” added the minister. “You can’t just resume training or hold a competition.  You must follow the process and get approval.”

Minister Grange has urged sports officials and athletes to become familiar with the rules for the resumption of sports and to follow them scrupulously as they are designed to keep everyone safe.

She says there will be consequences where the rules are not followed.

“I emphasise that the process must be followed.  Only one entity has the authority to give approval for sports events, including training sessions.  Where there is a breach, we will take action.  In this regard, we are looking into the circumstances surrounding the calling up of the JFF training camp in Mona,” said the minister.