CWC 07-- our great moment
Editorial
Guyana Chronicle
March 25, 2007
FOR all the negative reports and the sneers of the cynics, Guyana is this weekend receiving the first arriving teams for Cricket World Cup 2007 for matches scheduled from Wednesday March 28 to April 9.
As one of the nine host countries for the historic tournament, Guyana has had to overcome many hurdles in having to virtually start from floor-level in the provision of new facilities for which some other CARICOM venues had prior distinct advantages.
Undoubtedly, our primary challenges were the completion of two major projects -- the US$25M Guyana National Stadium at Providence, constructed by India and including a gift of US$6M; and the nearby huge Buddy's International Hotel (estimated cost of approximately US$10M). The hotel will be accommodating most of the CWC officials and media personnel coming for the Super Eight matches.
More than minor hitches had to be encountered by the Local Organising Committee (LOC). Indeed, some are still being sorted out as players and officials arrive for the start of the scheduled matches.
However, in keeping with the confidence repeatedly expressed by the Chief Executive Officer of the LOC, Mr. Karran Singh, and CWC CEO, Mr. Chris Dehring, as well as Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo himself, various logistical hurdles have been overcome, in cooperation with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Overwhelmed by the enormous tasks that had to be overcome, it may be easy for the critics and pessimists to forget that, ultimately, this is an ICC event, being hosted by Guyana as one of the venues for CWC 2007, and for which this country's cooperation with the ICC/WCC officials has always been under review and quite forthcoming.
Recent communication between the CWC's legal counsel, Mr. Derek Jones, and the LOC's Mr. Singh, has served to highlight both concerns and assurances ahead of the arrival of the playing teams for the Super Eight matches.
The LOC CEO had in fact provided specific responses to concerns initially raised by the ICC/CWC's legal counsel, among them on readiness in arrangements for the accreditation and media centres, video board, turnstiles and power distribution matters, since March 17.
But those who are evidently more interested in emphasising the negative than the positive, the problems rather than the solutions, will always find reasons to do just that, consistent with their own concepts and agendas.
The shocking murder of Pakistan's coach, Bob Woolmer, last Sunday in his hotel room, has cast a pall of gloom over the historic tournament.
But wise has been the ICC's decision to let the game for which billions have been invested by CARICOM states to host go on as planned.
For all of Guyana this is a very proud occasion in our history and favourable weather permitting, we should all enjoy the matches to be played in the finest spirit of the greatest sporting event within the Commonwealth of nations.