Local Government Minister Announces That No Spectators Will Be Allowed to Attend Jamaica’s World Cup Qualifying Match This Sunday
Football fans will not be able to be physically present at Jamaica’s World Cup qualifying match between Jamaica and Canada, scheduled for Sunday, October 10 at the National Stadium. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced that due to the need to maintain close management of COVID-19, this match will be closed to the public.
“The Government cannot facilitate large gatherings for any purpose at this time, as we are still managing the public health crisis imposed by the pandemic. As the Minister responsible for the enforcement of the Disaster Risk Management Act and Orders, I wish to advise the public that no exemptions will be granted in respect of the upcoming World Cup qualifying game on October 10. No spectator, vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be allowed into the Stadium. Additionally, the public is reminded that under the current Disaster Risk Management Order, Sunday is a No Movement day. The protocols that I announced in May, which permitted the resumption of Club football under clearly defined conditions remain in place. I therefore expect the Jamaica Football Federation to be duly guided in its management of this World Cup fixture.“
“I am a football fan, and I fully understand why there would be calls for spectators to be present to cheer the Reggae Boyz on, but this cannot be allowed now. I ask that all the supporters of our national team tune in and enjoy the game remotely. The Government is managing the resumption of sport in a phased, orderly manner, consistent with the reduction in the country’s positivity rate. The impact of sport on social well-being and social development is well recognized, and the Administration will support all efforts to promote the enjoyment of sport in the safest way possible.
