Better traffic arrangements coming for October 14 match
JFF’s McGregor: We underestimated the number of people who would have turned out for Cuba match
Published:Friday | October 4, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Head of security at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Steve McGregor, says they have moved to have better traffic and security arrangements for the Reggae Boyz next international against Honduras in the Concacaf Nations League on October 14 at the National Stadium.
McGregor, a retired senior superintendent of police, revealed that they totally underestimated the turnout for the Cuba match last month.
“The last match we underestimated the number of people who would have turned out, so the traffic arrangement was not as effective. We had 13 police officers directing the traffic before and after the match.
“We (now) realise that as the matches go on, the turnout will get greater as we get more into the qualification. So we have engaged the traffic section of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and they have crafted an elaborate traffic plan for the match. October 14 will be on a weekday, so the challenge for traffic will be greater,” he said.
He said they have met with all stakeholders who have a role to play in the execution of the game and that more information on the measures they will put in place for the game will be announced the closer it gets to the match.
“Thirty-five officers who will be dealing with traffic only. We have other police officers who will engage with us to do the internal security, but for traffic only, we will have 35 police officers, and ACP (Gary) McKenzie has crafted out a proper traffic plan.
“As we get closer to the match, there will be announcements as it relates to the closure of roads and other changes, so we will have more efficient movement of traffic going to and from the match,” McGregor said.
The JFF’s head of security said the greatest challenge they face is the last-minute arrival of spectators at the games. He said it makes for an easier flow if everyone arrives early.
“No matter what we put on as attraction to get people to come to the matches early, they will come at an appointed time (close to match time), and everybody wants to get in at the same time.
“That is why we have changed up the movement to the bleachers so you can move more efficiently. But we will still continue to encourage patrons to come out early so that they can get in easier,” he said.
McGregor said one thing they are happy about is that fans in Jamaica do not engage in rowdy behaviour like they do in South and Central America, where they throw things on players and onto the field.
“We don’t do that in Jamaica, and we do not invade the stadium field, and we are happy for that, but we have a lot of things in place to deal with all of the eventualities and when it does come, we will know how to deal with it,” he added.