We don't need any special security - Fennell

Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Jamaican officials will not be making any special security arrangements for its 106-member delegation at the Commonwealth Games, this in spite of the recent shooting of a pair of Taiwanese tourists outside the popular Jama Masjid in Delhi, India, the site of the October 3-14 Games.

A well-known terrorist organisation has also issued a clear threat on the Games, which has been dogged by delays and corruption, forcing many nations to implement strict arrangements for their athletes and officials.

However, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Mike Fennell, who is also chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation, believes there is no need for any such special arrangement.

"We don't think that's necessary," said Fennell, speaking at yesterday's recent briefing of the media and team managers at the offices of the JOA. "I am quite satisfied, both as head of the Commonwealth Games Federation and as head of the Jamaica Olympic Association, that all the arrangements for security are in place and now other teams are expressing satisfaction with the security."

"If anything there may be a little too much security because, as you know, it slows down the movement of people. But that's the price you have to pay to ensure strict security," Fennell added.

Major Desmon Brown, who will accompany the delegation as the chef de mission, is also unconcerned about the apparent security threats and is more focused on ensuring that everything is in place for the arrival of the contingent.

"I believe that they are doing a lot for security, I'm confident that they are doing the best that they can do and so there are no concerns in that respect," Brown said. "Our job is to make sure that everything is in place for the athletes so that their experience will be a hassle-free one."

accreditation

Meanwhile, 13 of Jamaica's overseas-based athletes have not yet received their accreditation (which also act as visas), but arrangements have been made with the Indian government to have them board Air India in New York and London without the documentation.

"Some of the athletes were late in applying for the accreditation as they were not on the original list, so those are the ones who are not in Jamaica now, by the way. The athletes, who are in Jamaica, wouldn't have had any difficulties as they would just go to the Indian High Commission and get their visas. The ones who are affected are those who are away and are not close to an Indian consulate," said Fennell. "We have arranged with the Indian government to give instructions to board them either in New York, or in London, without the visas."