JAMAICA | Transparency Crisis Looms Over National Stadium Track Certification

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 12, 2025 — Jamaica's track and field reputation hangs in the balance as Opposition Spokesperson on Sports, Wavell Hinds, demands immediate transparency regarding the certification status of the newly resurfaced National Stadium track.

With the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships and Grand Slam Track Series on the horizon, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over whether the facility will maintain its coveted World Athletics Class 1 certification or face a downgrade to Class 2 status—a distinction with significant competitive implications.

"There needs to be full disclosure on this matter," Hinds declared, taking aim at Independence Park Limited (IPL) and the Ministry of Sport.

"Has the contractor produced the necessary World Athletics certification to confirm that the track meets the highest global standards?

If not, what are the reasons for the delay, and what steps are being taken to address any shortcomings?"

Sources indicate that while the new surface technically meets international standards, the resurfacing methodology may have compromised the track's eligibility for Class 1 certification.

The distinction is crucial—Class 1 tracks can host Olympic and World Championship qualification events, while Class 2 venues face substantial limitations, potentially sidelining Jamaica from hosting premier international competitions.

Hinds has also raised pointed questions about the project's financial and procurement dimensions.

"The public deserves to know who is footing the bill for this project, whether the contractor has been fully paid, and if all necessary standards were adhered to before payments were finalized," he asserted.

The Opposition Spokesperson is demanding immediate clarity on three fronts: the current certification status, the timeline for receiving official World Athletics certification, and whether procurement and payment processes included proper due diligence to ensure compliance with international standards.

"Jamaican athletes have consistently delivered excellence on the world stage, and they deserve nothing less than the best facilities to train and compete,"

Hinds emphasized, his voice carrying the weight of a nation whose global sporting identity is inextricably linked to track and field excellence. "Transparency and accountability must be upheld in all aspects of this project."

As the certification deadline approaches and Jamaica's athletic community watches with bated breath, the question remains whether this resurfacing project will propel Jamaica's facilities forward or become a stumbling block in the nation's illustrious track and field journey.

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