THE EDITOR: Sir,
PLEASE BEAR with me while I tell you of my experience on Wednesday, February 28, at that most revered arena of battle, our great National Stadium!
I got to the Stadium at about 8:15 a.m. I joined a line at gate number 2. The gate flew open at approximately 8:30. What happened after that was chaotic hell. There was no security personnel manning the gate, i.e. making sure that there was no boring or pushing and that everyone basically, stayed in line. It seems to me, that everyone that came to the stadium wanted to enter through gate number 2.
The tragedy of it all, was that no one even bothered to glance at the line! They all went straight to the head of the line. I had a first-hand knowledge of what it feels like to be in a sardine tin.
What made the whole drama so tragic, was that there were about twelve 'police/military' personnel, well armed, at the top of the steps, looking on in bewilderment at what was taking place right under their very noses! It's either that they didn't care or that they felt powerless. In retrospect, I think they just didn't know how to deal with the situation.
The 'OFFICE' was full beyond capacity! Full to the point that if it had rained, not a drop would have touched the ground. The 'experts' all say that the seating capacity of the stadium is around 33,000. There were at least 40,000 at this match!
Now, I put these questions to you Sir, Editor: What is the matter with our people? Why can't we surprise ourselves and act civilised in public, just once? Why do we persistently ride that wave of indiscipline that has gripped the country in recent times? Is it a crime to show respect for others in public?
My proposals are:
The next time a 'BIG' football match is being played at the 'OFFICE' and a sold-out crowd is expected:
Adequate security must be in place at ALL entrances.
Security MUST see to it that everyone joins the line.
To stop the 'beaters', armed security MUST be positioned around the perimeter wall of the stadium.
Police foot patrol should be visible inside the stadium itself, patrolling the aisles, not just the cycle tracks.
Aisles should be kept free of spectators.
The stadium should not be overbooked to the point where no seats are available.
Proper sanitary conveniences MUST be provided: in the bleachers men and women were allowed to use the same restrooms!
I am a Jamaican, and a proud one. I just wish that my people would show a little bit more class in public. PEOPLE ARE WATCHING!
I am, etc.,
W.C. CLARKE
P.O. Box 637
Kingston 6
