ICCI CWC West Indies 2007 Mascot, Mello, being greeted by veteran Jamaican broadcaster and actress, Fae Ellington, at his introduction to the public at Jamaica College, St. Andrew, Jamaica on Saturday, March 11. Photo: Michael Williams

Speaking to Caribbean Net News, Peter McIntosh, Manager of ICC CWC 2007 Volunteer Programme stated that he is more than satisfied with the progress the Caribbean is making in readiness for the event.

“You ask me if I am satisfied. I am not satisfied. I am absolutely delighted with the progress you have made here. We had about 3,000 volunteers in South Africa, which is still regarded as a real success story but we expect that the Caribbean with its wonderful and friendly people will surpass the 3,500 volunteers mark. Perhaps we will train over 4,000 persons."

Prior to our interview, he stated in his speech, that the Volunteer Programme played a big role in delivering world class service to thousands of cricket fans in South Africa and that it was the first time that the ICC had sanctioned a formal programme.

To that end, the council desires to continue the tradition of delivering world class service to the stakeholders of ICC CWC 2007.

“This Volunteer Programme will seek to involve communities in the nine host venues by offering them an opportunity to become active participants in the event. In all, more than 3,500 volunteers will participate. This will contribute to its success in numerous ways – from delivering professional services (like doctors and paramedics) to meeting and greeting fans at the airports, working with VIPs, ushering spectators to their seats and assisting with the media. More than 20 different job categories of volunteers have been identified allowing for a wide spectrum of community involvement.”

(L-R) Robert Bryan, CEO for Jamaica’s Local Organising Committee for ICC CWC 2007 shares a moment with Ambassador Madge Barrett and former West Indian fast bowler, Ambassador Courtney Walsh, at the launch of the ICC CWC 2007 Volunteer Programme. Photo: Michael Williams

The CWC 2007 programme will be uniquely Caribbean in its nature, thus volunteers will be known CWC VIBEES, which translates: Cricket World Cup Volunteers are Intelligent, Bright, Bold, Enthusiastic, Energetic, Sensational and Spectacular.

Also speaking at the launch, Managing Director & CEO, ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc., Chris Dehring, stated that March 11, 2006 is an important milestone for Cricket World Cup and not only for the nine host venues but also for all the other countries in the Caribbean and the entire cricketing community worldwide.

“ICC Cricket World Cup isn’t coming,” he declares, “it’s here! In 365 days, just one year from now, the 16 participating teams will already have arrived, completed their warm-up matches and will travel to the parish of Trelawny, here in Jamaica, to mark the official start of the tournament by attending the opening ceremony which will take place in a brand new facility, the Greenfield Stadium.

“The first element of our event being highlighted today is that of the Volunteer Programme, the second is the arrival of our event mascot, Mello – who you will all have the opportunity to meet later.”

He hailed volunteers for their energy, enthusiasm and the inspiration.

He said that they are leaders, role models and examples all should wish to emulate and that such . volunteers have been serving sport from time immemorial, as coaches, referees, administrators and in other vital roles that contribute to the continued growth of sporting excellence and development of people everywhere.