THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON APRIL 28, I witnessed a deplorable scene at Sabina Park, where a party of seven of us went to watch the West Indies vs. South Africa One-Day match. Several weeks ago we had selected and paid for specific seats in the George Headley stand. On arrival, we found several other patrons in our seats who refused to move, even though they acknowledged that they were in the wrong seats. This scenario was replayed all over the George Headley Stand with other patrons finding others in their seats.
Despite our best efforts at reasoning and asking the ushers to arbitrate the dispute, there was no resolution. Members of the police force eventually arrived and were unable (or reluctant) to move the unwilling patrons, who were vociferously supported by many of the other patrons, thereby causing a disgusting uproar. It appeared that some of the supporters of the hooligans themselves were in seats not allocated to them.
After an hour of deadlock, a representative of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) arrived to inform us that he could not give us our seats without causing a riot by the other patrons. He also informed us that he was not responsible for ensuring that we got seats. At this point, we took the option to leave Sabina Park.
I described the above to make several points. Firstly, every time I think that the indiscipline of my fellow Jamaicans could not become worse, I am given a harsh reminder, that there is always room for further decline. The defiant attitude of people who know that they are wrong and mask it with an air of righteous justification is completely repulsive. I was also shocked that neither the ushers nor the police were able to maintain any sort of order and discipline. Why is it that our police force can only carry out their duties when heavily armed and are present in large numbers?
Secondly, it was obvious that with the present system in Sabina Park there is no organisation in the seating arrangements. What then is the purpose of allocating seat numbers if a free-for-all can ensue? The JCA needs to accept responsibility for ensuring that patrons get the seats that are paid for, which come at no small cost. If equity cannot be guaranteed, then some restitution should be made. At no time were there any sincere apologies made by the officials for their obvious bungling. Not to mention, that to date, we have not even received a refund on our wasted tickets.
I have chalked up the day as a truly sorry episode that deprived my party and me of a potentially enjoyable day at cricket. I can promise that I will not return until improvements in the seating system are put in place and, more importantly, enforced.
I am etc.,
Dr. MICHAEL BOYNE,
College Common, Kingston 7
E-mail:
mboyne@uwimona.edu.jm
College Common
Kingston 7
Via Go-Jamaica
