'Death trap'

Cracks in 'Stadium' structure give Kingston mayor jitters

BY DANIA BOGLE Observer staff reporter bogled@jamaicaobserver.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

KINGSTON Mayor Desmond McKenzie has called the National Stadium a "death trap", saying were it not for the importance of the 2010 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' & Girls' Athletic Championships which celebrates its centenary this year, the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) would not allow the event to go ahead.

"Its (National Stadium) structural competence is seriously in doubt," McKenzie said during the weekly Observer Monday Exchange meeting of reporters and editors at the newspaper's Beechwood Avenue office yesterday.

He said while repairs had been carried out on the facility -- built in 1962, the year Jamaica gained political independence from Britain -- there is still more to be done by its operators Independence Park Limited (IPL).

"Some piecemeal approach was made by the authorities at the National Stadium, but we are not satisfied, and the only reason Champs is going to take place this year is because of the importance but I am mindful that if anything should happen, it is not ISSA that is going to be held responsible, it is the KSAC," McKenzie said.

The tough-talking mayor reminded reporters that in 2008 he had threatened to close the National Stadium "because of the failure of the management to comply with the safety regulations that were set out, not only by the KSAC, but all the other (relevant) agencies".

There has been concern in recent weeks about the safety of buildings in Kingston in light of several major earthquakes that have hit countries in this part of the world, most notably the catastrophic January strike in Haiti that killed nearly 300,000 people.

"My fear is that the structure could give way in certain sections. When you go in, it is evident," McKenzie said. "Because of how it is situated, it is going to be difficult to get emergency vehicles in and out. A lot needs to be done," he added.

However, IPL General Manager Major Desmon Brown suggested that the mayor's remarks were over the top.

"There is nothing for him to make a statement like that," Brown told the Observer. "There are a number of issues that have not been resolved, but I would never say that it is a death trap."

Brown said that among the issues that had been addressed by IPL were the installation of an alarm system and proper signage at the facility, but an electronic surveillance system which had been recommended had not been installed.

"I don't have the money to do everything, but most of the major issues have been resolved," Brown stated.

Cracks, which the mayor indentified in the structure, Brown claimed were old. "Most of those cracks have been there since 2002," said the IPL boss.

However, in an apparent anticipation of Major Brown's response, Mayor McKenzie said: "I can guarantee that you are going to get a response from Major Brown that they have dealt with the issue, but it is not true."

Meanwhile, the mayor told the Observer that no event of the magnitude of Champs would be allowed to be held at the Stadium for the remainder of 2010 until IPL had sorted out the issues.

"We're going to be monitoring to ensure that the problems that exist be corrected. There are serious infringements in the structure of the National Stadium that leaves much to be desired," he said.

Mayor McKenzie suggested that the National Stadium was no longer suitable for the events that are staged there.

"I think we have outgrown the present location for security purposes... and it is something we need to look at, and look at very, very seriously," he said.

Major Brown agreed that the current facility was "obsolete" and could not be renovated.

"This Champs shows that we need a larger, more modern facility," he said. "No stadium this age is still around, they have all been knocked down."

Insufficient parking, major traffic problems, and too many problems with the surrounding communities were Major Brown's case for a new facility.

He suggested the Caymanas area of St Catherine as a more suitable spot for a new facility.

"A stadium out by Caymanas would be good to reduce traffic problems after an event and we could build a proper stadium with proper seating and all the things a modern stadium has," said Major Brown.

Crowds upwards of 22,000 usually attend the annual Boys' & Girls' Championships on Saturday's final day of competition. This year, the demand for tickets has been greater because of its significance, and testimony to this is that tickets for the grandstand were sold out within 30 minutes on opening day.

The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association has put close to $40 million into this year's championships which officially begins with an opening ceremony today.

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COMMENTS (19)

Leopold McPherson
3/24/2010

Mr McKenzie is the most nauseating person I have ever known. Everytime he opens his mouth I want to puke. Why is he now raising the unsafe nature of the national stadium. When did he became aware of this? The only reason why this fool open his mouth at this time is because of the amount of attention champs is generating this year and as an attention seeker some of the spot light must be on him. This fool must find rock and hide himself, he sounds like an illiterate fool.

Michael Brown
3/24/2010

NOW that I have gotten your Attention,
Fortis All The Way,
Let's STOP Talking Politics and Take a SERIOUS LOOK at the Problems.
Mr. Mayor, PLEASE, You don't have to be a University Graduated Engineer to Know that the National Stadium is a "Death Trap" waiting to catch it's Souls. I have always been on the Alert while in the Grand Stand and for the people who Bash you about your Comment, Again, I say, "Take Heed"
You must have recieved some kind of Warning from suitable qualified Persons.
Mr. Mayor, if you are aware of a Serious Situation with the Stadium, you should Address it with the People and the Prime Minister or Min. of Sports couldn't Overide your Dicision to Close the Stadium.
People, let's give Mr. McKenzie some space to Correct the Wrongs that he is alledged to have done.
Mr. Mayor, Please start acting as the Mayor of the K.S.A.C. and uphold the Laws. Public Safety also Falls at your Feet. Do the RIGHT THING. I am on the other side, BUT, I WILL BACK YOUR DICISION if it is in the General Publics Best Interest. Jamaica First, P. N. P. and J. L. P. Afterwards.
Jamaica, ONE LOVE, FOREMOST.....Fortis FOREVER.
Oh, while we are there, Mr. Mayor, I saw that you have Defaced Church Street with "Graffity" in front of your Office ( Parking Sign on the Roadway ?
just write yourself a Citation and Pay the Penalty.
I know the Parish Council didn't Approve that sign.

Andrew Archer
3/24/2010

I have never heard anything so ridiculous in all my life. Never mind the Mayor's knowledge about structural engineering, I question his ability to lead. His incompetence and lack of understanding of his role is quite obvious. He is acknowledging the structural deficiencies and general unsafe conditions (base on whatever sources -fact is he believes this to be true) but he is allowing people to be exposed nonetheless. Reference another Observer story where the same Mayor is "complaining" that over 60% of buildings within his area of responsibility are being built without the proper permits -IS THIS GUY FOR REAL? How did this happen under his watch? What is his responsibility? This Mayor is complaining that he is in charge, he leading but no one is listening to him. This is confession of incompetence.

carl williams
3/23/2010

What is the mayor qualification in structual engineering? I dont think he has the power to close or shut down the stadium..worry about those not paying light and water in Tivoli...

Tony Gilbert
3/23/2010

If it was me? I would tear off the roof of the Granstand for this emergency temporary measure and mek the whole stadium bleachers!

Tony Gilbert
3/23/2010

I am not an engineer but even I can tell that is a very vulnerable situation and thousands will be put at major risk. McKenzie is talking real , and amazing that PNP would build the 'waste of money' in Trelawny and now prioritize a better one somewhere else! The truth is for this particular Champs 100...WHERE ELSE COULD IT BE?

Paul Lewis
3/23/2010

We dont need foreign Engineers to certify anything,there are suitably qualified people in Jamaica. I can understand the Mayors concern, but to raise an alarm then allow the event to proceed, is rather strange. I am sure the Stadium is in a state of disrepair,since we have a habit of not engaging in upkeep and rehabilitation, until it falls. The other idiots spent deficit dollars, building the White Elephant in Trelawny. Only to have it sit there, waiting to be used for purposes that it isn't built for. We have long been a country caught up in imagery. There is wasted land at Jamaica House, Kings House, and Vale Royale, these places would be better served by converting them to Parks instead of having them as Monuments to these idiots. Up- Park - Camp is needed when we turn the J.D.F. into a paramilitary force.

Vashti Watson
3/23/2010

Mr. Mckenzie listen to yourself, you just think you are some kind of God, fix your house before you try to fix anything else for crying out loud.
Try and make your mark some other way. Look in the mirror sir.

Stephen Gunter
3/23/2010

It would appear that the Mayor is set to cancel the Jamaica International Invitational, which is due to take place in May.
I wonder; does the Mayor possess the necessary engineering background to make any sort of qualified statement on the structural integrity of any structure, much less one built like the National Stadium?

JONATHAN PORTER
3/23/2010

IF THE MCKENZIE FEEL THAT STRONGLY ENOUGH TO SAY ITS A DEATH TRAP AND STILL ALLOW AN EVENT AS LARGE AS CHAMP HAPPEN THERE, IF SOMETHING HAPPEN AND ONE PERSON GET HURT THE MAYOR SHOULD BE BOUGHT UP ON CHARGES. IF HE FEELS THAT WAY HE SHOULD SHUT IT DOWN, CAN YOU IMAGINE IF SOMETHING HAPPEN, OH I FORGET WE ARE TALKING ABOUT JAMAICA WHERE NOTHING EVER COMES OUT OF ANYTHING.

owen lloyd
3/23/2010

This mayor is just full of nothing but talk.

Janette McLean
3/23/2010

Ditto D Ranks, .......or you are not familiar with the National Staduim?
There is the bleachers, more fun and more room to roam and move about.

Janette McLean
3/23/2010

Mr. Brown, there is the bleachers?!!!!

Hope Alive
3/23/2010

Mr. Mayor, if the structure of the stadium is in doubt, you need to do what you have to do. Ten thousand lives are worth more that the celebration of a centenary!

Steve Allen
3/23/2010

Well, building a new stadium at the Caymanas Estates is a very good plan.
I know there are thousands of acres of lands in that location, building a huge stadium there with other entertainment facilities, is a good location with so much land for parking for the people of St. Catherine, Kingston and St.Andrew.(better crowd and vehicle control) but at the same time I hope mayor Mc Kenzie will not be using the old stadium and the parking areas to build more houses. The old stadium should be converted into training centers for the Jamaican young people, and the parking areas into gardens and parks for the people of Kingston to relax and enjoy on Saturdays and sundays.

D Ranks
3/23/2010

What a hell of a risk the mayor is taking with people's lives! Just recently there was a report of an earthquake in in Kingston of a magnitude of 5.6; isn't this a grevious cause for concern. I tell you, if I had children I would not allow them to attend the competition, and if they did I would sue the mayor, KSAC and the company that manages the staidum if any thing happened to them.

orlando chambers
3/23/2010

bad choice of words mr. mayor, however, we understand your concerns. I was always afraid of the grandstand and that huge overarching cement roof that i think is not properly supported, I am by no means an engineer but built since 1962 I hope somebody is paying attention to that. Lets hope for the best because the show must go on. FORTIS ALL DI WAY!

Michael Brown
3/23/2010

This is the Only Time that I would have Agreed with the Mayor, Desmond McKenzie,But, Honestly, I think his Argument, Is Only Political Hogwash. WHY ?
If I were the Mayor and aware of an Impending Disaster ? Then I would Cancell ANY PUBLIC EVENT. at that Venue. But Again, the Jamaica Labour Party has put the Citizens of Jamaica in Harms Way. I believe his Dicision to allow Champs to Proceed is Mere Political in face of the Dudus and Brady Issues.
Structural Engineers from OUTSIDE of Jamaica should be Dispatched to check the Structural Integrity of the Stadium Immediately and move Champs to another venue or Cancell it in the Interest of Public Safety. PERIOD.
I grew up by the Stadium and was aware of the Cracks in the Foundation. Because of this new Concern, I fwill NOT be Attending Champs and suggest Sensible Jamaicans take Heed. Call me Paranoid, I don'y care, I'm just Concerned about our Safety and Well Being.

Olivier Olivier
3/23/2010

so why didn't the previous government consider this and build a new multi-purpose stadium instead of the one in trelawny?

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