Guyana Cricket Board President Chetram Singh (second right) makes a point during yesterday's media briefing on the first Cable and Wireless One-Day International between the West Indies and England billed for the GCC ground on Sunday. Others in this Lawre
The touring English cricketers are expected to arrive in Guyana today and will be afforded tight security throughout their stay for the first Cable and Wireless One-Day International (ODI) against the West Indies.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday at the Guyana Cricket Board's office, Claude Raphael who is tasked with the responsibility for security arrangements for both the English and West Indian players, said the touring team will be arriving on two different aircraft and on their arrival, they will be escorted to their hotels in heavy police presence.
According to Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) vice-president Malcolm Peters, the seven English players in the squad who did not play in any of the Test matches will arrive at 10.15 am today, while the others will arrive along with the West Indians at 6 pm.
GCB's Public Relations executive Terry Holder said the board has had discussions with the Tourism Ministry about a formal welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timehri for the two teams and officials.
Holder also said the Tourism Ministry will be arranging a trip for the visiting journalists to Kaieteur Falls, during intervals of the ODI on Sunday, so Guyana's eco-tourism can be showcased around the world.
Raphael said over 200 security officers will be on duty during the teams' stay in Guyana and warned again, that persons without tickets or passes will not be allowed inside the sterilised area around the GCC ground.
The sterilised area is the immediate roadway around the GCC and the GFC grounds.
GCB President Chetram Singh reiterated that no weapons (firearm, knives, ice picks, metal cans, etc) will be allowed into the ground. "The ICC and the WICB has reminded us what is expected," he said.
Singh said even if an individual is licensed to carry a firearm, that person would not be able to gain entry into the sterilised area or the venue with the firearm.
Raphael said before a patron enters the sterilised area he or she will be scanned by security officers.
According to Singh, tickets for the Clive Lloyd, Laparkan and South Mound stands as well as rails are still on sale. Other stands have been completely sold out.
Sheik Amad, who is in charge of the sale of tickets, said the tickets will be sold at the GCB office until 5 pm on Saturday. Should there be any left after that time, persons wishing to see the game can make purchases at the Shell Service Station, Vlissengen Road or at the GCB booth that will be set up on Regent Road.
Meanwhile, the official launching of the Cable and Wireless ODI series will be held on Saturday at the GCC Squash Court, beginning at 10 am.
Singh said both the West Indies and England managers and captains will be on hand to answer questions from members of the media.