It was announced that just hours before the deadline of submission of bids for the 2007 World Cup that St. Lucia and Barbados came together with a joint bid to host matches in Cricket World Cup 2007 (CWC) in the Caribbean.
Both countries know the magnitude of work that has to be done to host an event of such staggering proportions.
The stakes are high for regional countries and those who have the capacity, will enjoy a greater share of the financial cake at the end of the event.
It will be a herculean task and a very heavy demand on the region's finances, human resources, technical capabilities and skills.
Stephen Alleyne, Chief Executive officer of World Cup Barbados Inc. was quoted as saying that "Together we feel that we should bid for events that are appropriate to and are just reward for that effort. We feel between us that we have the capacity to host the final, a semi-final and other matches."
If one were to look at the joint plan, one would see that both countries are trying to strengthen their bid especially in hosting the semi-final and final.
They are also looking at the bigger picture which would include sharing finances and technical skills with the huge financial spin-off from the CWC being a key consideration.
Another factor in the eqaution is the United States' plans to bid for matches. Most of the other prospective countries will feel threatened by the US' involvement at such a world-class event despite their low-key cricket exploits.
St. Lucia recently constructed an ultra-modern cricket stadium which could be regarded as the envy of the Caribbean at this point and time, while Barbadian officials have already showcased their "blue print" for the development of the Kensington Oval area which would include the relocation of several residences and businesses to construct a larger stadium.
Both countries are tourist-destinations and possess hotels of international standard, roads and reliable communications networks.
Guyana's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Texeira submitted this country's bid and like the other ten competing countries the next few weeks will be filled with suspense as we await the announcement from the Venue Assessment Team (VAT) on July 2 on who will host matches.
President of the Guyana Cricket Board Chetram Singh has reported that officials of the VAT would be visiting Guyana from May 27 (see other story on back page).
It has also been reported that following their recommendations based solely on technical merit to the board of directors of CWC 2007, the CWC Board will then decide which countries will be host venues and have matches awarded, subject to approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
We are confident that Guyana like the other prospective countries has submitted a bid that will underscore this nation's potential to host matches. Some of the best local planners formed the committee that compiled the bid and done the necessary feasibility study looking at all aspects of preparation.
While very little information has been forthcoming leading up to the submission of the bid it is imperative that once Guyana is given the nod, everyone will put his or her hands to the wheel to ensure this country fulfils its obligation.
According to the old saying "no news is good news", but even at this stage it is essential for our planners to convince the Guyanese population through a well-designed public relations campaign that we have the capability to host matches and in the process cast aside the doubts and fears that are in the minds of so many.
The task will be enormous since there are many major hurdles still to cross including the construction of a new stadium; beefing up of an unreliable telecommunication network; problematic transportation system; insufficient hotel accommodation and security fears.
It is critical for us to get the physical preparation off the ground at this point and not face similar problems the organisers of the 2004 Athens, Olympics Games have had to endure.