Antigua & Barbuda may miss out on CWC 2007

The Antigua Recreation Ground
(Photo: Norman 'Gus' Thomas)

Monday, November 17, 2003

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: Antigua and Barbuda could miss out on being a venue for Cricket World Cup 2007.

Prime Minister Lester Bird disclosed this as he returned home from the recent CARICOM summit. "The Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) just won't cut it, even if we put the $10 million in there given to us by the Chinese," he said.

Mr. Bird said it is a tall order to host a Cricket World Cup match at the ARG, given all the security requirements.

Earlier this year, an agreement was signed between the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the People's Republic of China allowing for the complete remodelling of the ARG. According to PM Bird, this would have transformed the ground into one of the finest cricket venues in the region.

He said, while acknowledging the shortness of time, his government has now asked the Chinese to move to build a brand new stadium in the North Sound area and are "waiting with bated breath" for a response.

The Antigua and Barbuda leader pointed out that if there is no positive response from the Chinese then his country won't be able to participate in the bidding process, adding that the bidding documents would be out by December 30th, 2003.

Back in 1998 the government spent millions upgrading the ARG in preparation for England's tour of the West Indies.

Many thought that such a huge project would not have been completed in time for the Test, including several regional commentators and former players, but they were proven wrong. Antigua which boasts two former West Indies captains, has four main venues where first class cricket is played.

Meanwhile, PM Bird noted that regional governments will be the ones putting up the "start-up" monies to get this venture off the ground.

"It must also be understood that it is the governments that will be signing these agreements and not the local cricket boards, it is the governments that will have to guarantee the money, even though I think the global group said they will have to borrow about US$79 million to be able to mobilize this effort in the West Indies, the onus is on the governments of the region and they are being looked upon to provide funding and in particular the infrastructure, such as the stadiums. In fact, it is my understanding that St. Kitts has already sent in a bid as a warm up venue."

He said another factor that is of concern to him is the fact that there is not enough hotel rooms in Antigua and Barbuda to accommodate the over 20,000 persons who may wish to come to the country, if it is selected as one of the main venues.

"The reality is that we do not have enough rooms for those people and so we will have to probably put cruise ships in the port for the duration of the games here. It is not a simple thing at all, it is a real complex business operation and we have to be cautious because as you are aware the Australians are out there saying that the Caribbean cannot mount a proper World Cup Tournament," he said.

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