Kingston, January 8, 2019 (JIS) - There are plans for the installation of additional running tracks in Kingston and central Jamaica.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, made the disclosure during her visit to observe repair work at the Stadium East running track in Kingston on January 7th.

The upgrading work is scheduled to be completed before the upcoming Gibson McCook Relays, the Minister noted.

Ms. Grange said that discussions regarding the installation of additional tracks have been “very fruitful”.

“Where we are now is that we are looking at a couple of other tracks being done, one at a high school, maybe in partnership with a private-sector entity, and another track, which will be sited to facilitate athletes in central Jamaica,”

Minister Grange said.

The Minister pointed out that the installation of the synthetic tracks will be two main objectives of the Ministry for the next fiscal year.

“We are still going to pursue our infrastructure development programme at various other sporting and entertainment facilities… but I hope we will be able to install two additional tracks in locations to be announced in the next fiscal year,” she added.

Ms. Grange said she has received reports with the possibility of developing four to six running tracks across Jamaica. She noted that the reports were done following visits to the locations by officials of the Sports Development Foundation and representatives from the BSW GmbH, the company contracted to repair the Stadium East running track.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that the running track at Catherine Hall in St James will be refurbished.