THE NATIONAL Stadium, the venue for the 2006 VMBS/ISSA Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships, will be locked down this morning.
As of 8:00 a.m., the entire Independence Park complex will be shut down while security features are tested for Champs.
The exercise is also a simulation for next year's ICC WI Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in the West Indies.
Dave Myrie, chairman of Champs' organising committee, said: "The full security features include a 24-hour lockdown of the venue prior to the start of the championships.
"The police will take charge of the National Stadium complex, not just the Arena, the entire complex and carry our intensive security operations within the venue," Myrie told journalists at a press conference to announce Cable and Wireless Jamaica Ltd.'s sponsorship of Champs, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel yesterday.
DETAILED SEARCH
Myrie, the principal of Wolmer's Boys' School, further explained what will happen at the complex during the 24-hour lockdown.
"This will include a detailed search of the whole premises, and the premises will be secured overnight by the police.
"On Wednesday morning, following further security operations, a certificate of fitness will be handed over to the grand commander declaring the venue ready for use. Then, and only then will the day's activities begin."
He further stated: "This process will be carried out each day until the end of the championships. The stadium complex will then be controlled by the security forces for the duration of the championships."
DRESS REHEARSAL
These measures are being undertaken by the local security committee for ICC WI Cricket World Cup 2007.
They requested permission from ISSA for Champs 2006 to be used as a dress rehearsal for a number of security arrangements that will be implemented during the Cricket World Cup.
Myrie said ISSA has agreed to this request, which has the full sanction of the ICC, thus the massive security changes.
"A lot has been done and we are now ready for Wednesday, March 29.
Myrie, an Englishman, also announced that "For the four days of the championships, the stadium complex will be a sterile area in the sense that no other activities will take place within the stadium complex".
NO SEARCH, NO ACCESS
He also said a 'no search, no access' policy will be in place. This mean that everyone who enters the facility, including VIPs, will be searched.
It was also disclosed that persons found with dangerous weapons will be arrested; persons who breach security guidelines will be ejected from the stadium; police will be stationed in the bleachers to ensure no one climbs the wall; there will also be plain-clothes spotters; and a security camera has been installed to monitor movements inside the stadium.
Four security companies have been contracted to work along with the police and members of the Jamaica Defence Force.
Even vehicles taking in goods will be searched and then escorted into the stadium by security. Also, all other vehicles entering the complex are liable to be searched.
