Christopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Sports organisers and enthusiasts in western Jamaica will have reason to celebrate in two weeks’ time, as the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay, St James will be retrofitted and restored to host events by April 15.

Montego Bay’s Deputy Mayor, Richard Vernon, made the announcement today during a press conference at the St James Municipal Corporation. He was giving an update on matters such as the current state of the multi-purpose stadium, also known as the Montego Bay Sports Complex, which was opened on June 5, 2010.

According to Vernon, the St James Health Department, which until recently had been using the stadium to carry out its COVID-19 vaccination blitz exercises, will vacate the premises by April 3.

“We will be carrying out all necessary remedial works, and the stadium will be fully event-ready by April 15, 2022. Of course, with that, we are anticipating the return of top-flight football, not just to the parish of St James, but to the Catherine Hall Stadium, and, of course, we will be anticipating the sounds of excitement emanating from the stands,” said Vernon.

The Western Relays will also be back at home at the stadium once sports events resume there, with plans ongoing among the competition’s stakeholders to ensure that the track is in top shape. The competition recently ended its 43rd staging at the G.C. Foster College in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Additionally, Vernon noted that other sporting disciplines may soon be hosted in Montego Bay. However, he did not specify which sports those would be.

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