Cliff WilliamsTHE DECISION by the Government to commence negotiations with Caymanas Entertainment Limited, one of the two entities submitting bids for the lease of the Caymanas racetrack, has brought to an end the anxieties generated over the uncertain future of the local industry.
It has to be recognised though, that whilst there is now general closure to the uncertainty about the future prospects of the local version of the Sport of Kings, there are now fresh concerns in the minds of certain of the professionals, as well as amongst the staff of the promoting company, Caymanas Track Limited (CTL).
SPECULATION
From the very moment the confirmation of the preferred bidder entered the public domain there has been a tremendous amount of speculation over the intention of the new investors, particularly as it relates to the professionals and to a lesser extent promoting company personnel.
The suggestion here is that there is the likelihood that there may be wholesale importation of personnel to replace local operatives.
Well, I spoke to a member of the investment group and he expressed astonishment and disappointment and is at a loss to determine from where could possibly come the genesis of such harmful speculation.
Naturally, he is dismissive of these rumours since, as far as he is aware, nobody in his group is in favour of any such policy.
PROFESSIONAL LICENCE
In any event, the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), the Government's regulatory agency, will definitely retain the responsibility for issuance of professional licences.
It is also highly unlikely, as far as I am concerned, that the Ministry of Labour would suddenly start the wholesale distribution of work permits for foreign nationals to find employment in the industry whilst available qualified Jamaicans remained idle.
Vincent Edwards, president of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers Association (JRTA), has been publicly expressing concern as it relates to this issue. He has been at pains to point out that he is not against divestment in principle, but is going to need certain assurances, particularly in the matter of security of tenure, before he can come fully to terms with it.
Edwards is quite sceptical as well that the new investors will be able to make the operation of a racino in the Portmore area profitable.
These aforementioned concerns, however, pale into insignificance when put alongside a fear he harbours that the 196 acres of the racing plant could be converted to some other use by the new investors if their foray into the promotion of live racing fails as a business venture.
Surely, Mr. Edwards cannot really believe that any such thing would be likely under the lease arrangement, unless the negotiators, claiming to be acting on behalf of the people of the racing industry, wished to make it possible for such an eventuality.
PROFESSIONALS
The JRTA president also thinks that it may well be possible for the new investors to determine the number and quality of professionals with whom they would wish to work, but personally, I do not think he believes this either.
Seriously though, I think the Government, as well as the new investors, should address the concerns of Edwards just to make sure that there is a smooth transition and head off the possibility of any costly misunderstandings going forward.
WILL HAVE TO DELIVER
Whilst it will not be possible to move immediately to a very professional operation, similar to what prevails elsewhere in the world, it is abundantly clear that many of those working in certain categories are going to have to deliver at a higher level.
The last time I checked there were around 140 active trainers, 80 jockeys and 600 grooms licensed.
Truth be told, approximately 90 racedays yielding 1,000 races annually with an equine population of around 800 viable horses cannot provide a very high standard of living for the majority of the professionals.
In fact, the statistics reveal that it is roughly the top 20 performers in each category which really make a decent living from known income.
These numbers make the point that with such a high number of professionals struggling to keep their heads above water, the sport is that much more susceptible to corrupt practices.
ATTRITION RATE
It therefore means that in the new dispensation there could be a significant increase in the attrition rate when more in terms of performance is demanded but may not be forthcoming.
Obviously it will not be business as usual with new investment taking place but interested parties, individually and collectively, have no option but to wait and see what the future holds.
