Rousseau

PATRICK ROUSSEAU, new chairman of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), has rebutted a story carried in Tuesday's Racing Along in which Vincent Edwards, president of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers Association, alleged that the new board had plans to sell between 40 to 50 acres of Caymanas Park land to help develop the racetrack.

In a stinging letter, Rousseau pointed to the terms of reference in a correspondence he had sent to Edwards, clearly outlining that CTL would retain ownership of any land being developed at Caymanas Park.

Clear terms

The following is the text of Rousseau's letter:

"Your article headlined 'Edwards opposes land sale' is dramatic, and I hope you will accord my response equal coverage. I assume Mr. Ainsley Walters, your freelance writer, has quoted Mr. Edwards accurately. It is a pity Mr. Edwards did not allow him to read my letter and the terms of reference or take the time to discuss the issue with me, as it would have avoided the unnecessary confusion that seems so commonplace in the world of horse racing.

"The terms of reference state very clearly, where reference is made to carving out a section of the property for development, to 'a form of development that generates outstanding income for CTL as the owner of the property on an ongoing basis.' The simple English interpretation is that CTL will continue to own the property when it is developed.

"I think this adequately explains the position of the new board and is the reason for inviting the knowledgeable persons around the industry to participate in an examination of the new ideas. Hopefully, the ideas will be properly ventilated at the advisory council, in due course."

Contacted on Tuesday, Edwards admitted to a "misunderstanding in communication", but insisted any such development, especially in the Portmore area, is normally sold off to investors.

Some misunderstanding

"There was some misunder-standing in communication," he said referring to allegations of a land sale. "However, in any case, none of the shopping areas or malls of that magnitude in the com-munity is wholly owned by the developers."

Pointing to the mega Portmore Mall, which was built by the Urban Development Corporation, he said, "Most of the units are sold off over time. No such development remains owned and operated by the developers the terms of reference do not say so, it would naturally be sold. That's the reality."