Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

A dispute between the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) and the interest groups in racing, over the wide-ranging increase in user fees by the commission effective December 1, took a positive turn yesterday.

A compromise was reached at a meeting between both parties yesterday afternoon at the JRC's Winchester Road offices.

Amendments withdrawn

According to JRC Chairman Rudolph Muir, the amendments have been withdrawn pending further discussions between the parties.

"The interest groups made representations to the Jamaica Racing Commission that they wanted time to study the amendments. We took those submissions into account and agreed that they will have until January 15, 2009, to give written submissions.

"We will then meet with them to discuss submissions and will make a decision by March 1."

Vin Edwards, president of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association, said the two-hour meeting was cordial.

"Our objections were heard and, following general discussions, we will report back to all the stakeholders at a meeting set for tomorrow at Caymanas Park to decide whether they will accept the proposals coming out of today's meeting," said Edwards, who was quick to add that this had nothing to do with the ongoing dispute with Caymanas Track Limited regarding purses. Meanwhile, Pat Rousseau, chairman of Caymanas Track Limited, has dismissed claims of being less than sincere in his dealings with the stakeholders at their October 30 meeting at the Terra Nova Hotel.

"I told them what the numbers were but nobody listens ... . I related the facts and they never liked it. You cannot get purse money out of profit, as the profit is already committed," he said.

Rousseau further said the only way they can get a purse increase above the $40 million "is if the Government puts up the money".

orville.clarke@gleaner.com