Photo: Jermaine Burnside

Nassau, Bahamas  – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the upcoming IAAF/ BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 today (Wednesday 15 April) rolled out security plans for the upcoming “Bahamazing” event during a press conference held by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Honourable Dr. Daniel Johnson.

In just 17days, hundreds of athletes, media partners and officials from around the world will be in Nassau for the IA AF/BTC World Relays, Bahamas 2015.

According to LOC Senior Director of Security, James Carey the planning for safety and security for the event has been subject to significant levels of scrutiny, and it is well-advanced and on track.

“IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 will be a fantastic sporting event that we want to ensure people can enjoy, from the starting blocks to the finishing line. From the time that athletes and spectators start arriving in The Bahamas, it is our absolute priority to ensure a safe and secure event.

“To deliver that, The Royal Bahamas Police Force, RBDF and the Organizing Committee have spent many months developing a programme to deliver appropriate levels of se curity and stewarding staff. These staff are expected to be deployed in a range of specific, targeted locations across the footprint of the event, from the event venue and accommodation to training facilities,” he said.

The Director of Security added that admission to the Relays is by credentials or tickets only. Carey appealed to spectators to arrive early.

“The gates will open three hours in advance and security will be in place to look for suspicious objects,” he said. “Water, large umbrellas, videotaping along with a few other prohibited items will not be allowed. People with pacemakers should bring their ID cards and handicap parking will comprise of spots on the western side of the Stadium.”

RBDF Acting Commodore, Tellis Bethel discussed the security measures and said that focus will be placed on ensuring the safety of persons who are visiting.

“The country will be secured for these World Relays,” he said. “RBDF officers are in place to protect maintain safety.”

Minister Johnson emphasized that everyone has to follow the rules and instructions.

“We have to take care of each other and we will not let anyone spoil our show. Everyone in this country is responsible for this event.”

LOC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Vice Chairman, Mike Sands said, the LOC has been working positively and collaboratively with the RBDF & RBPF to develop security and stewarding solutions which will play a key role in delivering a safe and secure event in the coming days.

“We recognize and value the important role security have to play and to contribute to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for athletes, officials and spectators. “

It is estimated that there will be some 30,000 people at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium each day for the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 event on both May 2nd and May 3rd.

More information about the Relays and the prohibited list can be found at www.bahamasworldrelays.org . More than 1,000 athletes and officials representing some 40 plus countries will take part in two days of competition.