Final necessary arrangements being made for CWC 2007
Guyana Chronicle
March 13, 2007
THE government and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) are working to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place for hosting Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, which starts in Guyana March 28.
Towards this objective, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said the pitch and field on the main playing section and the grass mound at the Providence, East Bank Demerara stadium, are watered regularly to make sure the surfaces are adequately prepared, while the practice pitch, in the southern section, has been fenced and nets installed.
The practice pitch was once a major area of concern for the International Cricket Council (ICC) venue assessment team, because of its slow development. However, quick recovery was made, much to their astonishment, GINA reported.
The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and Everest Cricket Club grounds are the other two places for practising.
GINA said Guyana is required to have more than 20 different services available for hosting the CWC, including accommodation and hospitality, public relations and marketing, local government and civil society, transportation and communication, security, health and emergency.
For the first time, this country will host the ‘Super Eight’ matches in the third largest international sporting spectacle worldwide, following the Olympics and World Cup Football, GINA noted, adding that the Caribbean would be under the focus of an estimated 2.2 billion viewers globally.
The games will be broadcast via the Global Communications Corporation (GCC) as the West Indies team competes for the World Cup against 15 other cricket teams.
Meanwhile, GINA said work is progressing on extending the East Bank Demerara four-lane highway and assurances have been given, by Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn, that it will be completed in time for the CWC.
The roadway will be the main route for heavy traffic during the games and, as organisers aim to maintain a smooth flow, the LOC Transportation Sub-Committee has outlined a plan which provides for the use of one part for vehicles travelling to the stadium, GINA stated.
The agency said the LOC, in collaboration with various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), has implemented a community permit programme for motorists living along East Bank Demerara and a special sticker will be attached to their respective vehicles, indicating that they are resident there and should be allowed access.
GINA said this is necessary because drivers will not be allowed to park or travel outside the route along the four-lane thoroughfare and are required to register for the programme through the various NDCs.
It said Diamond Community Centre ground, on East Bank Demerara, together with the National Cultural Centre (NCC) tarmac, in Georgetown, have been selected as the two ‘park and ride’ locations while an 11 acres plot of land next to the stadium would be used as a ‘park and walk’ facility, with the capacity to accommodate 2,500 motor vehicles.