Adrian Frater, News Editor
Sports Development Foundation (SDF) director Saleem Lazarus (right) talks to St. James Football Association president Lennox Wallace (left) and president of the St. James Referee's Group, Texchus Nembhard, following the handing over ceremony for the newly-upgraded Urban Development Corporation playing field last Thursday in Montego Bay. - PHOTO BY ADRIAN FRATER
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE NEWLY-upgraded Urban Development Corporation (UDC) playing field in Montego Bay was officially commissioned back into service last Friday when the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), which upgraded the facility at a cost of $2.3m, handed the sporting venue back to the St. James Football Association.
"We are delighted to be handing back this facility to you as it is a big improvement on what you had here before," said Saleem Lazarus, a director of the SDF. "I am asking that it be properly maintained or all the good work that went into its development would have been futile."
The playing area was completely resurfaced, re-grassed and a new irrigation system put in place. In addition, a perimeter fence erected at a cost of $700, 000, was put in place to secure the playing area from unauthorised use.
A delighted Lennox Wallace, president of the St. James FA, said it was a joy to have the facility at its disposal again as it was much needed. He also outlined that under an arrangement the FA has with Tank-Weld Construction Limited, that company will be putting in a block of spectator stands as well as financing the maintenance of the facility.
PEAK CONDITION
"I can promise that this facility will be kept in peak condition, as we will be treating the whole matter of maintenance seriously," said Wallace. "The maintenance team will start working today."
President of the St. James Referee Association (St.JRA) Texchus Nembhard, who was on hand for the handing over ceremony, said he was happy that St. James now has "another quality facility as in addition to being more secure, it should minimise injuries caused by wear and tear on inappropriate surfaces".
While the SDF exhausted all its provisions to refurbish the facility, SDF general manager Ludlow Watt does not rule out further SDF involvement in the future development of the facility.
"Once the SDF is satisfied that the facility is being kept in a satisfactory condition we would certainly consider offering further assistance for future development," said Watt. "The onus is now on you to ensure that proper upkeep is treated as a priority matter."
In addition to the UDC playing field, the SDF is also involved in another ongoing project in the parish - a $1.4m multi-purpose court in the Coral Gardens area, which will be used for basketball, netball and volleyball among other sporting events.
