Smoke and mirrors from CTL

By Gordon Robinson

What a 'preckeh' my simple critique of CTL's exorbitant expenditure on equine pool fencing and unnecessary barriers at the racetrack's entrance seems to have created.

Why the vitriol? The latest relay runner to pick up the baton is Commander Stacey Lee ('Clearing the fog on CTL security', Gleaner, April 17). When I knew Commander Lee as head of racetrack security, he was one of the easiest people to get along with despite his military background. He did sue CTL for some perceived wrong which he alleged caused damage to his car (I was CTL's counsel in that suit), but I now hear he works for McKay Security. So I understand his being the runner of the second relay leg.

But, is "... Mr Robinson should concentrate on his legal or journalistic profession, as he seems to be bereft of knowledge in security matters and procedures" really necessary? Somebody's piqued, and it's not Commander, because I've not stepped on his toes.

Let's analyse what the letter signed by Commander Lee says about the $800,000+ fencing job: "As it relates to the fence around the equine pool, I disagree with Robinson. The only way to prevent people drowning would be to place a guard at the pool." In other words, he agrees with me. I've been trying to save CTL's blushes on this equine fencing matter by limiting my queries to cost, but it's clear that the full story must now be told.

SAFETY CONCERNS

The equine swimming pool has ALWAYS been surrounded by a fence. While it's being used (say, up to 10 a.m. daily), there's somebody on duty (probably from CTL) collecting tickets and generally overseeing the pool's use. Regarding the lone drowning incident, my impeccable racetrack sources tell me it happened this way:

1. A child (about five years old) was sent by his mother to retrieve his birth certificate from his father who works at a stable.

Now, I have questions for CTL's security contractor. How was that unattended child allowed to enter the racing compound? There are static guards at every gate. If other methods of entry exist that CTL's security can't cover, why is CTL being charged gazillions for security?

2. After completing his task, the child went on an adventure tour of the compound. It was after 10 a.m. The pool was closed. Nobody was stationed there.

3. The child crawled through a hole in the fence, jumped in the pool, and drowned.

If my information is correct, this is gross negligence (144 times worse than normal negligence) by CTL and its security contractor. As Stacey Lee has now admitted, all that was required was "to place a guard at the pool". WHY WAS THIS NOT DONE? When did it happen? How long did it take CTL to repair the fence? Why did it cost more than $800,000 to repair the old fence so it became good as new? Who certified this expense? Is a security guard now posted at the pool?

Loiterers

Regarding the vexed issue of the barriers, the letter signed by Commander Lee stated: "From what I've observed, ... the large area in front of the Club Stand entrance had, over the years, become prone to loiterers.

"The barriers, in effect, curtail loiterers from being able to remain in the area, and persons leaving the Club Stand are channelled into lanes that deter loitering.

"Though not ending the [begging] nuisance, the barriers restrict [loiterers'] ability to conduct their activities."

But, his boss, Jason McKay, previously wrote that the sole purpose of the barriers were to "...ensure persons don't hang out in front of the stands and beg ...". So, Commander Lee actually agrees with me that the barriers have not served their express purpose, but has now dredged up a new purpose: "curtail loiterers being able to remain in the area".

Seriously? Nonsense! What actually happens is that legitimate patrons are inconvenienced, hence, are now leaving the racetrack via the area outside the barriers for easy egress. Loiterers, beggars, pimps, and touts still remain supreme irritants during punters' journeys to and from car parks. Try again, Commander. This time, I insist you stop believing you're playing with children. Answer my questions regarding cost and ownership of these barriers without any smoke-and-mirror tricks.

Commander, you obviously have some expertise in security. Congratula-tions. I have more than 50 years' experience at that racetrack in every conceivable capacity. You know more about security than I. I know more about security at that racetrack than you ever will.

Peace and love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.