Grange

German-based athletics track manufacturing company, BSW Regupol, are in negotiations with Independence Park Limited (IPL) to refurbish the National Stadium and Stadium East running tracks.

Brian Ibrahim, Caribbean representative for BSW Regupol, told Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Major Desmond Brown, IPL's general manager, on Wednesday he would not only provide fast and effective tracks, but far less pressure on the pocket.

As they surveyed the Stadium East track in the midst of journalists, Minister Grange asked Ibrahim how fast they could "have them (tracks) ready".

According to Ibrahim, "We will try to get it ready by the end of January."

The negotiations continued.

"That's a long period," pointed out Minister Grange.

"That all depends on how fast you work," came Ibrahim's reply.

The synthetic turf specialist noted that it would take his company five weeks to ship the material to Jamaica.

While addressing the media inside the National Stadium, Brown pointed out that they are looking to complete work on the tracks for early-season development meets slated for the second week in January, at Stadium East.

"What we are looking at is if (Stadium East) is not quite ready we just run those two inside here ... so that there is no loss of development meets. That's what we are looking at ... and they will have to come in here (main stadium) to finish by the end of February, that's when there will be Gibson Relays."

The Douglas Forrest Invitational and the Queen's/Grace Jackson track meets are two of the early meets normally held at the National Stadium.

Minister Grange reminded Ibrahim of the financial crisis affecting not only Jamaica, but the world.

Given this position, Ibrahim, whose company numbers among three seeking the contract, said they are willing to work with the Jamaica Government on the project.

Ibrahim said his company would cut costs as much as possible, proposing to remove the top layer and replace it.

He said this work could cost in the region of US$700,000 (approximately J$63 million).

Barter arrangement

The sports minister noted that investors in Singapore were willing to fund the project on a barter arrangement that would involve a visit by top Jamaican athletes - Olympic and World triple gold medallist Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Dexter Lee - to assist with promotions for the Youth Olympics that Singapore is hosting next year.

However, Grange said while the other athletes have confirmed their participation, Bolt's management, who had agreed to the deal earlier this year, is now saying they don't know if it is possible for him to make the trip again.

But Minister Grange said Jamaica is bigger than any athlete and she will not stand by and allow this deal to be spoilt.

"Whatever happens we are going to get the money and get the work done," she said.