JFF backs push to restore Montego Bay Sports Complex

The push to restore the Montego Bay Sports Complex has received backing from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), with president, Michael Ricketts, expressing confidence that football will soon return to the western Jamaica facility.

Ricketts said the JFF is prepared to support the redevelopment initiative and is optimistic that FIFA, the Government, and corporate Jamaica will also contribute to the restoration effort.

“I will again speak with FIFA, because they have given an indication that they will give some support to the restoration of the facility, and, of course, the Ggovernment, I'm pretty sure, based on the announcement made by the mayor,” said Ricketts.

His remarks follow an announcement by the St. James Municipal Corporation that $20 million from an interim insurance payout has been committed to rehabilitation work at the complex ahead of the Jamaica Premier League season in August.

“Of course corporate Jamaica will certainly be on board, so we are just hopeful and excited. We really need a proper facility in wWestern Jamaica, and as it is now, we are confident that in short order, this venue will be up and running,” added Ricketts.

To date, clean- up of the complex is at 20 per cent after the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa last October.

According to Ricketts, restoring the facility would not only benefit football, but also provide social opportunities capable of helping to curb crime in the parish.

“The social impact that this will have on the parish will certainly lessen the crime rate. In addition to the social impact, I'm pretty certain that it will positively impact everything about everybody who will utilise the facility,” said Ricketts

“The JFF is represented here, and we did not take the invite lightly, because we thought it was very important that we give some support,” added Ricketts

Branded “The Hive,” the Montego Bay Sports Complex is being positioned as western Jamaica’s premier hub for sports, fitness, and wellness.

The project is framed as a public-private partnership, with a commitment to completing key phases by 2027.

The Montego Bay Multi-Sports Development Limited (MBMSDL) is poised to roll out a $700-million, three-year redevelopment plan aimed at upgrading facilities.

Plans include refurbishing the track for track and field events, enhancing recovery facilities with cold and hot pools, saunas, and a 40-room dormitory.

With plans to install various sizes of football pitches, with a premium pitch reserved for major matches, Dr Curven Whyte, pPresident of Jamaica Futsal and Scrimmage Football Association, expressed excitement about the potential for hosting regional games in an international stadium.

“We have mass potential in at least hosting some sort of regional games and in the Caribbean region. I'm happy, for Montego Bay, and, particularly, their acquisition of the Montego Bay Complex. It really underscores and supports what we are doing,” said Whyte.

“One of the things I commend the west for is using Futsal as a social intervention tool, and the mayor is fantastic in terms of his commitment to all of the effort of using sports to build the social capital,” added Whyte.

In February, St James Municipal Corporation and MBMSDL signed a 25-year lease agreement for the development of the facility.

The vision includes not only sports facilities but also social and recreational amenities, such as an Olympic-sized pool and tailgating experiences.

The Montego Bay Sports Complex, which was first developed at a cost of  US$14.9 million, was opened in June 2010.