The Cricket World Cup comes to the West Indies in 2007 and Guyana is one of the countries bidding to host matches. The Government is having discussions with the Indian government for a cricket stadium at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara. We asked the man/woman in the street their thoughts on Guyana’s readiness to host World Cup matches.
Jai Persaud - Concerned Guyanese: ‘It will be good if we got a stadium but we have to make sure that we get the money for it. I think that Guyana will have a good chance of getting selected for the hosting of matches. But for this to happen those with a vested interest in the project have a lot of work to do. The World Cup in the West Indies will be a plus for the West Indies team and may very well increase their chances of performing well.’
Madan Kissoon - QC Lower Sixth Form Student: ‘I don’t think that right now our being selected is possible, but with financing and other forms of assistance, Guyana may be able to host World Cup games.’
Daniel Ram - QC Lower Sixth Form Student: ‘I agree that it is possible that Guyana hosts matches for the World Cup in 2007. That will be extremely beneficial to Guyana. But since there will be thousands of people coming to see the matches, the government has to do a lot of work to clean up the city and other areas. I think that it is an incredible opportunity for Guyana. I hope Guyana makes good use of this opportunity. During the time that the matches are being played, Guyana should be promoting eco-tourism. Work should be done also to restore heritage landmarks.’
Charles Waldron - Electrical Technologist: ‘We hosted Carifesta in 1972 and the result was Festival City. Once we host the World Cup we will get a lot of benefits. But the facilities such as water, electricity and roads have to be in place. The basic utility providers have to be prepared to supply a whole other ‘city’. Based on the present situation, we may not be able to gain a selection.’
Rajpatti Persaud - Housewife: ‘It would be good if some of the matches are played in Guyana. We stand to benefit a lot from jobs and other things like tourism.’
David Melville - Student: ‘Guyana can be ready to host some of the World Cup matches if they begin to work early enough. With the development of the Ogle Airport and the upgrading of the Cheddi Jagan Airport, Guyana stands a good chance of being selected. Guyana stands to benefit from taxes and tourism dollars which visitors will spend. Even with the closure of the 2007 World Cup, the stadium will be useful for the hosting of other cricket tournaments and other sporting disciplines. The proposed road expansion for the area in which the stadium is to be located will be to our advantage.’
Muriel McRae - UG Worker: ‘I believe expanding the Bourda ground is the better idea. I don’t like Providence as a venue for a stadium. The World Cup in Guyana will be good for the country. Sports need more promotion in Guyana. People will get jobs and the government will receive taxes. If the process gets moving soon, Guyana could make it.’
Jennifer Osborne - Public Sector Employee: ‘If we prepare for it we will be ready. If the World Cup is to come to Guyana the government will clean up and shape up. If it would take the World Cup for the place to be clean and the roads to be done, then that is an achievement. I know that the World Cup coming to Guyana will bring a lot of employment, but I hope that the employment will be equitable. The government has to be prepared to invest in sports and provide training if the stadium to be constructed is to remain viable. The stadium goes far beyond the World Cup cricket.’
Alecia Patterson - Self-employed: ‘I believe that if the government gets the help they will be able to build the stadium and the other things to go along with it. With a proper stadium, Guyana will gain recognition in the world of cricket and sports in general. If we put the measures in place, we have a good chance of being selected. With the visitors here spending their money, we stand to benefit.’
Sunita Sunalall - Secretary: ‘I think that we’re ready for it. Jobs will be created. We can convince the selecting committee to choose us. I know that we will be successful.’