There is strong consideration for Jarrett Park to serve as the home base for Jamaica Premier League football club Montego Bay United for the remainder of the season.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon indicated the move has become necessary because of the damage sustained to the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“Montego Bay United remains the number one in the Premier League at the moment and we have to see how best we can work with the club to provide them an opportunity to complete the season successfully,” Vernon said.

“As a result we are contemplating the usage of Jarrett Park as their home as the [Montego Bay] Sports Complex has been significantly damaged,” he said.

He however explained that rehabilitation work has already begun on parts of the complex in light of what has happened.

“We have started the repairs for the track and the field in that section,” he said.

He also provided an update on the planned leasing of the complex.

“We are still progressing with the lease agreement and we should be having conversations soon with the ministry [Local Government] pertaining to that,” the mayor stated.

He said that despite the current state of the facility, there remains strong interest from parties seeking to take control of the sporting facility.

“We still intend to have it leased and the potential lessees are still interested in leasing the [Montego Bay] Sports Complex despite the condition that it is in,” he said.

Vernon expressed confidence that once the lease arrangement is finalised, the restoration process will receive major backing.

“Once we move forward with that, I have good indication that there is support to help with the restoration of the [Montego Bay] Sports Complex,” he said.

In the meantime, he reiterated that the city is moving swiftly to ensure Montego Bay United can continue hosting premier league matches without interruption.

“In the meantime we will utilise Jarrett Park for the home games for Montego Bay United,” the mayor said.

A view of Jarrett Park in St James

A view of Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa Photo: Karl Mclarty

VERNON… we will utilise Jarrett Park for the home games for Montego Bay United