Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange. - file

Subsequent to the huge setback and major disappointment of the premier venue that was slated to host games in the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship, the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, all hands are now on deck to get Jarrett Park up to standard to partner Catherine Hall in hosting the 12-team tournament, slated to commence in the next three days.

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has proposed Jarrett Park as a replacement venue, but CONCACAF has identified some critical infrastructural changes that are needed, which the JFF has communicated to the Government.

"We have worked out a plan and it is the Government now that has to determine if we can go forward with that plan," JFF's general secretary Horace Reid shared.

"If we can go forward with that plan, then we would have a tournament. We are looking at Jarett Park, but there are some structural changes that are going to have to be implemented.

"CONCACAF has made some requests of the JFF that require government input, so that is where we are, waiting on the Government to tell us if it can meet the request from CONCACAF," he further explained.

The government officials were expected to engage in a meeting late yesterday afternoon, after which Reid hoped to hear favourable news to take back to CONCACAF.

"I was told that they are having a meeting this evening (Thursday) and I would hope to hear from them this evening, as I have to go back to CONCACAF with their decision," Reid said. "Time is of essence, as most of the games are scheduled for Monday.

"Training at this point is fortunately not of great concern; I think we have located sufficient training pitches." That was the only truly positive news Reid could share.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange could not be reached for comment, but in a release to the media she expressed "disbelief" at the state of the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium field.

"I have received a list of what improvements must be made at Jarrett Park so that it can host the games. I have assigned teams to get the job done and to report to me at all times," Grange said.

She has subsequently ordered an investigation to determine what went wrong and who should be held responsible, while suspending the work being conducted by the contractor who was hired to prepare the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium pending the investigation.

"We are working to ensure that we get past this setback and put on a fantastic tournament. I am committed to ensuring that the CONCACAF Under-17 tournament is a success," Grange shared.

Jarrett Park