Caribbean in good shape for World Cup 2007 - Murray
By Ravendra Madholall
Guyana Chronicle
December 9, 2006
DERYCK Murray revealed yesterday at the Cara Lodge Hotel at a press briefing that the Caribbean is in good shape for the cricket mega World Cup event next year.
Murray was speaking at a media briefing after arriving in the country to be the main speaker when the Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira Sports Foundation Inc., in collaboration with Guyana Cricket Board, holds a seminar on captaincy and leadership today.
Murray, a former West Indies vice-captain and wicketkeeper, said that after making a brief visit to the Guyana National Stadium, he was impressed with the way it looks and should be ready for the World Cup to stage matches.
“I was delighted to see the progress made and not only in Guyana but also around the Caribbean, so I think we have been doing a great job in preparation for World Cup 2007,” Murray who played 62 Test matches and 26 one-dayers for the West Indies, remarked.
Asked about the reality after the tournament, Murray said, “we will have the facilities to be used in other aspects of sports etc. while I feel that with many tourists around the globe coming, what we need to do is to give them a good impression of our country so they can visit next time,” the 63-year-old Trinidadian Murray declared.
Speaking about captaincy, Murray said, “It is not just knowing the game, but to administer the players out in the middle is also vital; leadership is what counts at the end of the match because the man in charge must know to demonstrate to his fellow colleagues and be able to read a batsman, the pitch and most of all recognise the importance of the responsibility,” Murray revealed.
Today’s seminar is set for the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda, and is expected to get cracking at 09:00 h. Presentations will be made by Test umpire Clyde Duncan, match referee Grantley Culbard and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s Terry Holder whose entity is sponsoring the event.
Some 40 senior club captains from across the country, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, president of GCB Chetram Singh and innovator ‘Reds’ are scheduled to participate in the opening.
Yesterday’s event was sponsored by GT&T, Cara Lodge, King’s Plaza Hotel and Liberty Office and Document Centre.