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Stadium track resurfacing on schedule, says Grange
February 28, 2025
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange said the resurfacing of the National Stadium's running track is on schedule for the upcoming ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships and Grand Slam Track meets.
"We're on track based on the work plan and the timelines that have been established," Grange said after a visit to the National Stadium facilities yesterday.
Grange made the statement after speaking with representatives from Rekortan Tracks, the company currently handling the resurfacing project.
The Minister of Sport has been assured the work will be completed in a proposed timeline which will have the facility up and running before Champs, set to begin on March 25.
"The team that is here from Rekortan, which includes the vice-president, they are very confident that they will complete the work in time for Champs. They showed me the work plan, walked me through it and indicated some of the issues that exist on the ground," she explained.
Grange had sought to dispel public concerns which had been raised after reports stating the proposed Monday start date had been delayed due to materials and labour force not arriving on the island in time to begin.
She said the work has now begun, with the representatives of Rekortan now identifying areas which will need special attention.
"They said they have found some areas where they have to cut out and treat. They'll work day and night so that the schedule that has been worked out, we will meet those deadlines," she confirmed.
"They've washed the track, they're gonna wash it again. They are doing the scope right now, looking at areas, special areas, that will need special treatment. I can't get into the technical terms but they are working with the coordination of IPL [Independence Park Limited]."
Grange also spoke on the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup football match between reigning Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions Cavalier and Inter Miami.
With Argentine icon Lionel Messi set to play in Jamaica for the first time in his career, Grange said the match will not be affected by the track's resurfacing.
"Based on the work plan, I noticed that the date for the football is also a part of that plan," she said. "So they have factored that in which means that it will not delay the work and it will not affect the work going on."
