Stringent security for Bahamas World Relay Games

Nassau (Bahamas), May 14 (IANS/CMC) Bahamas has announced stringent security measures for the inaugural IAAF World Relay games scheduled to run-off at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium May 24-25.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and private security firms have combined forces and are promising to deliver a safe and secure event which has attracted the world's leading athletes, reports CMC.

Officials say many items will be prohibited during the two-day event and everyone attending will undergo a thorough security check.

"The IAAF has certain standards and we are mandated to comply with those standards and put in place security in accordance with their standards," said James Carey, senior director of security with the local organising committee.

"Alcohol, large bottles of water, combs and brushes, umbrellas and coolers are all prohibited. All prohibited items and anything deemed suspicious will be taken away from individuals."

Officials have announced that persons with a police record as well as those on ankle monitoring systems will be barred from the stadium.

In recent days, security measures at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium have increased and officials say new measures will be put in place as the event gets closer.

"We will, of course, provide full security coverage for the entire country during this period, not just the events around the stadium. We will continue to secure your premises while you are away from home, as well as guarding you on your commute to and from the stadium," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethel.

"There are going to be lots of special patrols around the stadiums, in your neighbourhoods and on the highways. There will be volumes of police officers saturating the streets to ensure that all avenues leading into the stadium are under police control."

--IANS/CMC

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