Dear Editor,

I find it troubling that official starters at athletic meets under the auspices of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) are required to carry the starter guns either in their hands or pockets between races, which not only present potential safety risks but also affect their mobility and professional appearance.

As such, I wish to use your medium to request that the JAAA, going forward, urgently consider the provision of proper holsters for starter pistols used by race starters at the various levels of athletic meets in Jamaica.

With the welcomed evolution of global track and field events taking place on local soil and the deepening of our athletic excellence and national pride, the use of designated holsters would go a long way in improving safety by ensuring secure handling and storage of firearms between races and allow for starters to perform their duties with far greater ease and confidence.

There is no doubt that track and field in Jamaica today are deserving of the energy it is receiving from an adoring and loyal native fan base and global audience. I strongly urge the JAAA, therefore, to review this matter and take the appropriate steps forthwith towards equipping all starters with suitable holsters for their starter pistols. It is the professional thing to do.

Everton Pryce

St Andrew