Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Entertainment, Gender and Sports has ordered that both pools at the Independence Park Limited be closed with immediate effect until further notice.

This was revealed in a memorandum sent to local swim clubs from Martin Lyn President of the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica.

This is the latest move by the Jamaican government in its ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus. Jamaica currently has eight cases of the virus.

The closure of the pools will influence preparations of the athletes preparing for the 2020 Carifta Swimming Championships to be held in Barbados in April that might be under threat seeing that Antigua and Barbuda and The Bahamas, the defending champions, have both indicated that they would not participate this year.

This latest directive follows up on Minister’s statement on Thursday updating sports federations on the island on the measures being taken by the Government of Jamaica to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

They include the discouraging and restricting non-essential travel outside of Jamaica, especially to countries that have reported cases of the virus, which is now a global pandemic; discouraging and restricting large gatherings; denying and rescinding the granting of permits for the staging of events, during the next 14 days (in the first instance) and closing schools for a period of 14 days (in the first instance).

In her letter to the heads of sports federations, Minister Grange noted that the “necessary measures” would have a direct impact on entertainment and sports activities, including Jamaica’s “participation in regional and possibly international competitions as well as the staging of competitions across the island.”

Minister Grange urged the federations to follow the guidance of the health authorities, noting that “the success of the measures outlined by our Government is dependent on all of us, especially leaders, doing our part.”

Minister Grange made clear that she “cannot support any action outside of the guidance given, including overseas travel for national teams.” 

However, she noted that the situation is dynamic and subject to regular review and committed to continued dialogue and consultation with the national sports federations.