Stadium ready for World Cup - Lockerbie
By Rawle Welch
Kaieteur News
February 7, 2007
“Guyana looks very organised and the stadium is ready for CWC 2007,” International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Operations Officer / Venue Development Director Don Lockerbie told media operatives yesterday, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
The ICC venue inspection team which arrived shortly after lunch yesterday was headed by Lockerbie and comprised CWC's Cricket Operations Director, Michael Hall, General Manager of ICC Cricket Operations, David Richardson, ICC Stadium Consultant, Professor Eugene Van Vuuren, Praatal Raj and ICC's Pitch & Field Consultant, Andy Atkinson.
Lockerbie started the assessment on a positive note when he stated that his team had “a very, very good day” during which they met with His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo who assured them that the Buddy's International Hotel would be completed in time to host Teams, Officials, Media and (TOMS).
He said President Jagdeo informed him that the hotel is the venue assigned to host the Rio Summit in March and that was enough evidence to indicate that it would be finished. Tours to the practice facilities at GCC and Everest were also made and the team leader said they were extremely satisfied with what they witnessed.
According to Lockerbie, today marked a very positive day in Guyana , but also warned the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Government that this is not the time to slow down.
“We want to see national pride and a sprint to the finish…this is a national effort,” Lockerbie reminded.
The Venue Director indicated that the stadium is not just about impression, but also about things working.
“I just want to reiterate to Guyana , it is not time to ease up, but work to the finish.”
He advised that all works be completed very soon so that the people are rested and fresh and not tired and worn-out by the time the actual event starts.