May 8, 2006

Two Thumbs Up - All Systems Go

May 08th 2006 Posted to World Cup 2007

Grenada has turned the corner – elevating its status – and now it’s all systems go for the hosting of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

So says Donald Lockerbie, Venue Development Director of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc., after completing an extensive tour yesterday of the National Stadium at Queen’s Park in Grenada and practice facilities at Progress Park, on the northeastern side of the island, and La Sagesse on the southwestern side.

Continuing their ICC Venue Tour throughout Host Venues for next year’s tournament, a team of ICC and CWC 2007 officials – Lockerbie, Eugene Van Vuuren, Andy Atkinson, Jeff Atherton and Rick Jemison – examined the country’s infrastructural development towards hosting matches in the Super 8 stage of the Event next March and April.

Addressing Grenadian media, Lockerbie praised the quantity and quality of work done since their last visit on March 1 this year.

“It is unbelievable the progress (that has been) made, in the period of time since our last visit,” he said. “All parties including the Chinese construction team, the Ministry of Sports, the local technical team and the Grenada LOC (Local Organising Committee) must be complimented. What we have seen is way beyond our expectations. It is phenomenal accomplishment.”

The Chinese construction team informed the officials that the legacy aspect of the members’ pavilion would be completed by the end of May while the media and players facilities are slated to be finished by the end of June – ahead of schedule. The construction at the practice venues is progressing well and expected to be completed in time to allow testing of the playing surfaces.

Pitch and field preparations at all venues are on schedule and progressing very smoothly and the company contracted to handle this aspect, Terra Forma Developments Ltd., and the Ministry of Sports are ensuring the required consistency and standards are met.

The visiting delegation also applauded the approach of the Grenada LOC and Ministry of Sport in preparing the practice venues which, like the stadium pitch, will be tested with matches in August-September.

Members of the ICC Venue Tour paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Sports, the Hon. Roland Bhola, before departing for Barbados.

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