About continuing the World Cup following Bob Woolmer's murder
What the People say
By Keisha McCammon
Stabroek News
March 26, 2007
Do you think that the ICC CWC should have cancelled the World Cup because Bob Woolmer was murdered? We asked the man and woman in the street this question and this is what they had to say:
Debbie-Ann Nedd, Machinist: 'No I do not think that the ICC should cancel the World Cup. The event is a big one and to cancel it over the death of someone - that should not be. That team if they wanted to, could have pulled out but it's the love of the game that kept them playing. I don't think that Woolmer would have wanted the matches to stop, because he had a heart for the game.'
Ashbourn Schultz, Public servant: 'I don't think that the World Cup should be cancelled. The Pakistan team, I know, have other senior coaches who were able to take over for Woolmer. The games must go [on] and his team did honour his memory by winning their last match. I don't believe it should be a problem having all the matches continuing as usual.'
Imtiaz Hamid: 'No I don't think that the ICC should cancel the World Cup. The coach already is dead and the cricket has to go on. A lot of preparations have already been made and the majority of people have already bought their tickets to attend the matches. His passing is very sad but that will not stop the matches.'
Rahul Alli, Accountant: 'No I don't think that the World Cup should be cancelled because the coach died. The ICC has to take into consideration the murder, but that will be investigated. Too many people have invested in cricket and I'm looking forward to the games here. It's the first time the world cup will be playing in Guyana and I'm looking forward to it.'
Van Johnson, Photogra-pher: 'No I don't believe that could have even been considered. The World Cup is entertainment for the world and a lot of people have invested in the sport. People depend on the cricket for relaxation and to tour various islands. A lot of people especially here in Guyana are looking forward to the matches.'
Sonia Lawson, Nurse: 'No I don't think the ICC should cancel World Cup because Mr Woolmer died. The reason being a lot of teams are playing apart from Pakistan, plus they had an assistant coach who was able to take over. If they wanted to set it back until his funeral they could do that, but I don't think it's necessary.'
Deon Sumner, Private sector employee: 'No I don't think that such an idea to cancel the World Cup could have been entertained. The matches have already been planned and just a moment of silence is good enough to show their respect for the coach.'
Monica Mohanlall, Sales clerk: 'No, not because of one person matches should be cancelled. Something should be done in Woolmer's memory. People would lose a lot of income if such a thing should happen. People in Guyana would be disappointed as well as other persons around the world because they expect the matches no matter what.'
Michelle Seegobin, Sales professional: 'Death is inevitable and the business community would have already invested in the World Cup. Although everyone is sorry about his death the games have to go on. That would not be a reason to cancel such a big event. Everyone is looking forward to the other matches.'
Hutton Dunson, Electri-cian: 'I think that the ICC should have discontinued the matches after Woolmer died. It would show that they care that he died and that they would catch the person responsible for his death. Other countries lost matches before and nothing ever happened to their staff.'