Dear Editor,
It was only a few months ago that I attended a Health Fair at the Caymanas Track Limited which was put on by its regulating body, Jamaica Racing Commission. On 28th July another of these fairs was conducted, where over 800 patrons were examined by healthcare professionals. I must commend the Caymanas Track Limited for this timely and well-needed health initiative.
A key component of any successful company is its social responsibility; how well the company integrates with the community in which it operates. The success rate of these health fairs has been overwhelming. It goes far beyond the 800-1,000 persons who attended the health fair.
Portmore is arguably the largest residential community in the Caribbean region. Caymanas Track Limited is the largest employer within this community with its 1,000 jockeys, grooms, trainers, owners, breeders, farriers, veterinarians, racing officials, and operational staff. It is for this reason that we must pay keen attention to the manner in which the track is divested from Government ownership.
The divestment team must not only ensure that the new owners are "cash rich", but most importantly the new owners must be "socially rich". That is, the interest of the people must be in direct co-relation to their interest for profitability. Jobs must be protected for the locals, and the industry stakeholders may need to play an even more strategic and accountable role in the operations of the track. Furthermore, the racing industry is a unique industry, in that, the Caymanas Track Limited product (racehorses) is owned by third parties.
Richard Longmore
University of London
Before the horse bursts through the gate...
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It was only a few months ago that I attended a Health Fair at the Caymanas Track Limited which was put on by its regulating body, Jamaica Racing Commission. On 28th July another of these fairs was conducted, where over 800 patrons were examined by healthcare professionals. I must commend the Caymanas Track Limited for this timely and well-needed health initiative.
A key component of any successful company is its social responsibility; how well the company integrates with the community in which it operates. The success rate of these health fairs has been overwhelming. It goes far beyond the 800-1,000 persons who attended the health fair.
Portmore is arguably the largest residential community in the Caribbean region. Caymanas Track Limited is the largest employer within this community with its 1,000 jockeys, grooms, trainers, owners, breeders, farriers, veterinarians, racing officials, and operational staff. It is for this reason that we must pay keen attention to the manner in which the track is divested from Government ownership.
The divestment team must not only ensure that the new owners are "cash rich", but most importantly the new owners must be "socially rich". That is, the interest of the people must be in direct co-relation to their interest for profitability. Jobs must be protected for the locals, and the industry stakeholders may need to play an even more strategic and accountable role in the operations of the track. Furthermore, the racing industry is a unique industry, in that, the Caymanas Track Limited product (racehorses) is owned by third parties.
Richard Longmore
University of London
Before the horse bursts through the gate...
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