Speaking to representatives of the media at Caymanas Park on Monday following a tour of the 198-acre racing complex by members of the new board and other racing officials, Wehby said the board, which met for the first time on Monday, was mandated to produce a three-year strategic plan by the end of May to chart the way forward for the industry.

Great atmosphere

Meanwhile, Wehby said the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the new board members were great, even though some of them were meeting individually for the first time.

He disclosed that there was discussion on a CTL budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

"We also discussed corruption in racing and asked new director Danville Walker to look into that, as well as the prospects for the introduction of internet and telephone betting, gaming machines at Caymanas Park, lack of corporate sponsorship and the marketing and promotion of the racing product," the minister said.

Wehby saw an urgent need for the upgrading of the facilities at the 50-year-old racetrack, noting that Caymanas Park "must be able to fund its own purses by creating enough profits".

In this regard, Wehby said new director, Chris Armond would play an important role in the scheme of things, as the former vice-president of racing, promotions and public relations at CTL in the '90s has been appointed chairman of his advisory committee.

Racing associations

All the directors, accompanied by the minister and heads of the various racing associations, as well as CTL general manager Randy Soth, toured the entire stable area, the track itself and other sections of the complex via bus.

All the board members were present - Tony Hart (chairman), Raphael Gordon (vice-chairman), Danville Walker, Chris Armond, Howard McKenzie, Camille Buchanan, Ian Parsard and the latest appointee, Shirley Gayle Sinclair, senior director of procurement policy in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

- O. C.