CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - The main opposition United Workers Party on Friday called for the establishment of a “national committee and not a committee based essentially on a partisan basis to oversee arrangements for the hosting of the ICC World Cup West Indies 2007” in St. Lucia.
In a letter to Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, UWP leader Dr. Vaughan Lewis formally welcomed the news that St. Lucia had been granted the opportunity to host one semi-final and six first round matches and observed that this was an effort and opportunity of which St. Lucians can be justly proud.
“We recognise the enormous effort it will take to ensure not only that the additional facilities and accommodation are in place, but also to ensure that St. Lucia stands out at that time as a safe and secure venue for the events,” Dr. Lewis wrote.
The letter stated that bearing in mind the words of the chairman of the 2007 World Cup board Rawle Brancker that there is little time left, but enough to do the job, the UWP urges the Government to move speedily in appointing the national committee.
Dr. Lewis cautioned Prime Minister Anthony that before any public funds are committed to the improvement of the Beausejour Cricket Ground, it is imperative that the financial situation of the ground is made public, the estimated cost of proposed improvements, and the sources and conditions of funds to be made available.
The UWP is also seeking information on possible or anticipated financial arrangements and revenues from the 2007 World Cup to service the loan.
“This type of information the public would like to know upfront as an input into reventing any situation that might in any way prove embarrassing later on,” Dr. Lewis wrote.
The UWP leader in closing expressed his party’s willingness to cooperate fully with the Government on the proposed national committee and otherwise on the event.
He noted that before the staging of the 2007 World Cup, St. Lucians would have to face the polls, a prospect that could bring a change in the governance of the country.
“It is, therefore, imperative that the alternative and incoming Government be involved at an early stage in all arrangements concerning the 2007 World Cup,” he concluded.