Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

ICC praises Guyana for substantial Cricket World Cup preparations
11-18-2006

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): Guyana has been commended for the hard work in preparation for Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007. However, works in a few areas need to be fast-tracked to meet the December 31 deadline.

This was the view of Managing Director Chris Dehring, and Venue Development Director Don Lockerbie of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for CWC 2007 who, along with a delegation, assessed Guyana’s preparations for CWC 2007.

The team did a one day assessment in Guyana, which included an inspection of all the facilities at the National Stadium at Providence, in addition to the accommodation and hospitality facilities, transportation, communication, security, health and emergency services.

They commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for doing an excellent job in preparing Guyana, though they identified other areas where more work is required.

The team was especially pleased with the LOC’s volunteer programme which they say is of a professional standard.

The LOC has recruited some 500 volunteers who will be offering various aspects of their services to the thousands of spectators expected at the National Stadium. A trial run of the programme was done at last month’s GuyExpo and was successful.

During the inspection volunteers were present at every area where services were required as a demonstration model. Lockerbie said that the model is an example for several other host venues to use.

He said that he is quite pleased with the rapid development of the stadium since his last visit. He made specific reference to the players’ recess area which is now being upgraded to serve as the Presidential Suite.

Lockerbie noted that CWC is an international event and each venue, particularly the stadium should be seen by all as a national symbol. It is therefore the task of all stakeholders to work towards its completion, he urged.

All overlay work should be fully completed to make way for installation of equipment by the stipulated deadline according to Lockerbie.

Although he is optimistic that these deadlines will be met, he is still urging that civil works be hastened.

The ICC however, is concerned over the cricket pitch and outfield which they noted still have a long way to go. Construction of this aspect is being undertaken by the Trinidadian firm TERAFORMA.

Work is still ongoing on the main and practice areas. Andy Roberts, former West Indies fast bowler who was part of the 23-member delegation had noted during his earlier visit that the practice area should have been developed simultaneously with the main pitch so that both surfaces can be tested at the same time.

The ICC officials were comfortable with the state of preparedness with the accommodation and hospitality establishments, pointing out that this area has grown significantly since their last visit.

Guyana is expected to host group C of the super eight matches in March next year and will be among nine host venues in the Caribbean. They include, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts, St Lucia, St. Vincent and Trinidad. The ICC delegation completed its tour of duty to Barbados and Guyana and has moved on to Grenada.