‘Obey the rules!’ - Independence Park GM sends stern warning about use of facility during pandemic
Published:Monday | October 12, 2020 | 12:11 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Independence Park General Manager Major Desmon Brown is warning sporting associations that their athletes will be evicted from the complex if they do not follow COVID-19 protocols approved by Ministry of Health and Wellness for use of the facilities.
The senior women’s netball team, who were scheduled to begin training at the Leila Robinson Courts at Independence Park at the weekend, were granted permission to use the facility last week.
Brown told The Gleaner that Independence Park will be closely monitoring everyone who uses the facility, and if they are found to be in breach of the protocols they will be removed.
“Each sport will have to be treated independently, because we have some track and field people training, and we have the swimming pool in operation, and now we will have the netballers training, so we are guided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness,” Brown said. “The regular security will be in place and if the protocols are not being observed, then we will just stop the training. We have indicated to them (netball team) clearly how it is to be operated and they have agreed, and if they break it, then we will just stop the training.
“They won’t be there for 24-hours, but during the period that they will be there, they will be monitored closely.”
Brown says that Independence Park and Netball Jamaica have had a good relationship in the past, and he expects this to continue.
Only authorised personnel will be allowed on the premises during these training sessions.
“We are not going to allow any spectators to come in, so if you (the public) come, we will turn you back.” Brown said.
“We had a slight issue with some of the swimmers’ parents because they were seen without masks. However, they were allowed to go in to watch the bags, but we have told them now that since they are not wearing their masks, they will not be allowed to go back in.”
Required protocols for use of Independence Park
- Wearing masks;
- Sanitising/washing hands as often as possible;
- Maintaining social distance of six feet whenever possible.