Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw gave notice that there will be a seamless transition of the operations of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) to the new promoter of horse racing in Jamaica, Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL).

Shaw, speaking at the signing ceremony for the divestment of CTL to SVL on Friday last at the Ministry of Finance offices in Kingston said that he has given strict instructions that there must be a smooth transition to the new owners, SVL. SVL is set to take over on March 7.

“It is anticipated that we will have a smooth transfer from one owner to the next, in this case the Government of Jamaica to the new owner, the private sector enitity, Supreme Ventures Limited.

“We have signed the documents today (February 10) and it is expected that in the course of the transition period, from now until March 6, everything will be smooth and that the government will honour all its undertakings.

“I have already had discussions with Shane Dalling, managing director at Caymanas Park, to ensure that everything over at Caymanas Park is rigorously managed so that we will have a smooth transition of ownership. We will not be missing any race days, there will be a seamless and smooth transfer to the new ownership under a rigorous condition programme,” Shaw said.

Dalling for his part told the gathering that for the last couple of months representatives of SVL have been shadowing the activities at the racing complex.

“From now onwards, both the CTL and SVL teams will be working closely together to ensure that we have a smooth transition come March 7 when SVL officially takes over.

“So, racing continues as normal without anyone noticing anything other than the name change on that day.

“All Off Track Betting parlours (OTBs) will be assigned to the new operator on March 7. So, all those operators currently on our books will be transferred to the new operator and all the operators have already being advised of that,” said Dalling.