Strict security measures in place for the CFC matches

Vincentians will have to adhere to strict security regulations come the 9th, 11th and 13th of January, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosts its 1st ever Caribbean Football Union (CFU) under 20 Football Finals at Victoria Park.{{more}}

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, 6th 2009, Earl Bennett, General Secretary of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), stated that the heavy security measures are a part of the FIFA security regulations and must be put in place to ensure a safe environment for all participating teams. Bennett said that if security measures are not appropriate, there is a possibility that St. Vincent and the Grenadines may not be chosen to host the event in the future. He is, therefore, calling on all Vincentians to cooperate with the Federation.

Match commissioners from FIFA and CFU will also be at the games to ensure that there is proper security for the teams and officials. The commissioners will also assess the readiness of the playing field.

Bennett stated that some twenty-five police officers are expected to be stationed around the perimeter of the Park.

Tickets will be available on the evening of each game and may be purchased at the entrance to the Victoria Park, opposite the Dr JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School Annex. The public will be restricted to that entrance only, Bennett said. The other gates will be used for the Team officials and players.

There will also be restrictions for the public inside the park, as the CDC pavilion as well as two newly constructed bathrooms with showers will be reserved for team players and officials.

The Football Federation expressed its gratitude to the The National Lotteries Authority (NLA) and the Ministry of Sports, both of which, they say, have played a significant part in this historic event, allowing the Football Federation to use the grounds and the lights at Victoria Park free of charge, as well as constructing the new dressing rooms. The estimated total cost of hosting the games is EC$150,000.

Tickets will be sold at EC5 per child and EC$10 per adult.

The Football Federation was expected to host programmes during this week to sensitize the public on what is expected of them at these matches. (OS)