CWC preparations…
BMWs to arrive by mid-February
Kaieteur News
January 22, 2007
The 20 BMW vehicles that are to be initially used by teams, officials, media and sponsors for Cricket World Cup in March should arrive in Guyana by the middle of February, according to Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony.
Government will spend about $168M for the vehicles and has contracted Prestige Motors Inc to purchase them. The vehicles will also be used by representatives who will be in Guyana for the Rio Group Summit.
Traffic and other signs are in the process of erection as part of Government's beautification campaign and will provide guidance to visitors in Guyana for Cricket World Cup.
Information booths are to be stationed at different points in Georgetown and its environs to serve the needs of visitors seeking information.
Government recently undertook the development of a plot of land between the Guyana National Stadium at Providence and the Buddy's International Hotel to serve as a park and walk facility.
According to Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana LOC, Karran Singh, the committee would welcome any suitably qualified person to fulfill the function of overseeing the facility.
The facility is moving according to plan, but is facing slight setbacks as a result of the inclement weather over the few days, he said.
Remedial works are still ongoing at the Guyana Cricket Club (GCC) ground at Bourda and the Everest Cricket Club ground which are to be used as two of the practice venues for Cricket World Cup.
Meanwhile, GL Events, a Cricket World Cup goods and services supplier, will soon be taking over from Shapoorji Paloonji, the Indian contracting firm, the remaining overlay works at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
According to Singh, the traffic department of the Guyana Police Force will be out in large numbers during match days.
The training of security personnel currently being undertaken will ensure that procedures are administered properly and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will embark on a campaign with transportation operators to ensure that courtesy and respect for visitors are maintained.
According to Singh, the plan is to have transportation operators trained and screened and the LOC is willing to work with the minibus associations to engage all minibuses.
According to Minister Anthony, a transportation plan is to be out soon and will be put into effect to maintain traffic control long before match days.
About 1350 rooms are now available under the Bed and Breakfast Programme and the Guyana Local Organising Committee is optimistic that the programme will reach the intended 2000 room target.
The Chief Executive Officer of the LOC said the programme will be complemented by the establishment of the Zoom Inn facility which is currently under development at Croal and Alexander Streets.
Zoom Inn will be making room for tent accommodations, and, according to Singh, Splashmins has also indicated its willingness to open its resort for such accommodations.
Residents of Linden in Region Ten have been added to the Bed and Breakfast programme, and to date about 300 rooms are to be inspected by the LOC assessment team.
The proprietor of Buddy's International recently disclosed that the hotel is likely to be opened by February 14 and is working towards that deadline. He has already embarked on a recruitment drive for staff.