With the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 having such a global appeal, there is always the threat of terrorism looming. With that in mind, the event's security team has heightened its protective measures weeks ahead of the grand athletics meet.
The second International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays is now less than two weeks away, and security forces in and around the host venue, Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, are taking no chances. More personnel have been deployed to various areas, additional fencing has been erected in and around the stadium, security forces have been beefed up at the ports of entry into the country, the prohibited items list has been increased from a year ago, and patrons of the event will have to go through a number of checkpoints prior to entering the stadium - just to name a few of the protective measures in place.
Leading up to the event, security forces are quite visible in and around the perimeter of the stadium, and on the actual days of the event, their borders will be extended to a two-mile radius of the stadium. Security forces are inclusive of police and defense force officers, as well as personnel from private security firms and the fire department.
Senior Director for Security James Carey said that it is vital that they protect the patrons of this event, athletes, coaches and officials, VIPs, and locals and visitors alike.
"This is a global event, and here in The Bahamas we have to meet the IAAF standards as it relates to securing the premises and ensuring the safety of everyone involved," said Carey. "The security has to be at an extremely high level. I'm honored that the IAAF has considered using the security plan that was in place for last year's event. We've tested it at events like the high school nationals. What we're looking for, really, is any unsettling behavior. We were able to seize a knife from a student at the high school nationals, and acting on information, police were able to seize a gun from a young man. We're making amendments where need be, but overall, we are very satisfied with the measures that we have in place."
Carey, a former assistant commissioner of police, has worked a number of major events at the national stadium, including the CARIFTA Games two years ago and the inaugural world relays last year. He has been hired on a contractual basis to provide the security plan for the IAAF/BTC World Relays. This year, the security measures have been in place since late January - at the same time additional fencing was erected in and around the new and old Thomas A. Robinson stadiums.
This past weekend, Carey and his team were able to test the measures that they have in place with the staging of the Bahamas High School All-Star Relays - the test event for the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015. The world relays is set for May 2 and 3 at the stadium. Over 1,000 athletes, coaches and officials from about 50 countries are expected to be here for the grand event.
"We have to be careful so as not to allow persons wishing to meet the athletes to go into restricted areas. That is of utmost concern to us," said Carey. "As you can see, this area in and around the stadium is fully protected. On the outer levels, there will be patrols up to a two-mile radius looking for potential threats. On the days of competition, officers will be deployed at strategic points. If you don't need to come in the area of the stadium, you will be diverted. It's all a part of our stringent traffic control this year.
The perimeter of both stadiums is already completely fenced and heavily guarded. We realize that there is going to be about 20,000 persons in and around the stadium each day, but we expect a smooth process based on the security measures that we have in place.
Every single person entering the stadium will be screened and fully checked. Also, we have developed an evacuation plan in case of a fire or any other catastrophe. In the parking lot areas, we will be on guard for criminal activity, such as car theft and damage to vehicles. The parking lots will be fully manned," he added.
According to Carey, the stadium area is divided into 10 zones, and there will be four points of entry into the new stadium for the world relays. Carey said that there will be 400-plus officers in and around the stadium alone. Also, he said that there will be strict security measures in place at the athletes village and the other hotels where officials and members of the IAAF family are housed. Those security measures will be in place on a 24-hour basis during the world relays.
"There will be patrols in and around the athletes village and the other hotels," said Carey. "We expect that the police will be fully armed, but that is a decision that rests with Leon Bethel, the senior assistant commissioner of police. He is ultimately responsible for security, and we expect that he will have his officers in place."
Carey retired in 2009 from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). His assistant for this event, Superintendent of Police Kevin Rolle, said that the safety of Bahamians and guests is of utmost importance to the security team and the Local Organizing Committee of the world relays (LOC).
"When you look at the threats that are going on around the country, and indeed the world, it's very important that we pay special attention to the security of these persons coming in for the world relays, and our own Bahamian people who will be attending," said Rolle. "Security checkpoints will be fully manned. Officers have been trained for high-level events like this one. It's not a difficult process. Everything is falling in place as it relates to the security measures for this event, and because of that, it will be very difficult for anyone to slip through the cracks. There is a very slim chance, almost impossible, for anyone to enter the stadium undetected. With the help of all the agencies that will be involved, I think that we will put out a good show for Bahamians and guests alike, and ensure that everyone is safe."
The prohibited items list for this event has increased from a year ago. Items such as bottled water; weapons of any kind (knives, firearms, pocket knives, etc.); video recording equipment; narcotics; lighters; matches; laser lights and pointers; strollers; umbrellas; poles; pepper spray; containers of any kind (coolers of any size, backpacks, bottles, cans including aerosol); smoking paraphernalia; or any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate, will not be permitted.
Items such as clear plastic bottles of a one-gallon size containing food, small hand bags, small stadium cushions, small cameras without a case and medical items, will be permitted according to the acceptable items list.
The junior segment of the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 will get underway at 5 p.m. on both days of competition, and the main show will commence at 7 p.m. each day.
Tickets for the event are still available, but are disappearing rapidly. Tickets can be obtained online at www.bahamasworldrelays.org or at the box office at the national stadium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
There are now just 12 days remaining until the biggest sports spectacle to ever hit these shores makes a return to The Bahamas.
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