Adrian Frater, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU: TOP-FLIGHT football is set to return to Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay, on Sunday, August 29, when a St. James All-Stars team squares off with Jamaica's Reggae Boyz in an exhibition game which will form part of the official ceremony to unveil the new J$1.24 million floodlights at the park.
In addition to the big game, which is set for 6:30 p.m., The Gleaner endorsed event will also feature a novelty game between a select St. James Masters XI and their Kingston counterparts at 4:00 p.m. The ceremony to unveil the lights will take place between the two games.
"The lights are very effective and should add a new dimension to night activities at the park," said businessman Robert Russell, the vice chairman of the Jarrett Park Management Committee (JPMC), which is spearheading the effort.
"We have not fully paid for the lights so we are hoping that the proceeds will help us to complete the payment," Russell said.
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In endorsing the game, Montego Bay's Mayor, Councillor Noel Donaldson, who has donated a trophy for the feature game, said he was pleased with the work the JPMC was doing to upgrade the park and said he was committed to assisting in whatever ways he could.
In regards to the upcoming game, the Mayor said he hoped it would help in the rebuilding the image of the parish's football, which has fallen off in recent years.
"I hope a game like this will help to rekindle the interest that once existed in our football," Mayor Donaldson said, noting that he was hoping for the day when parish would once again hold pride of place in national football.
Chances are that the St. James team, which will be coached by Edwin Alcock, could come up against a full strength Reggae Boyz outfit as the game will come just days before Jamaica's next World Cup qualifier against Panama, which will be played here in Jamaica.
In addition to the chance to see the nation's best on show, fans will get a chance to win tickets to the Jamaica versus Panama match, a trip to an Air Jamaica destination in the Caribbean and other prizes courtesy of various sponsors.
