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Members of the Caribbean judiciary are ensuring they are well equipped to deal with any cases involving the Sunset Legislation which has been implemented for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

Last Friday in Barbados, ICC CWC 2007 Senior Legal Counsel, Derek Jones, outlined the relevance of this legislation – which was recently passed in the nine CWC Host Venues and which is new to the region – to a gathering of judges, magistrates and court officials from Barbados, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Trinidad & Tobago.

In his presentation, he first explained the tournament’s contractual framework, indicating the relationships between key stakeholders: the International Cricket Council (ICC); the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB); the latter’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc; the Global Cricket Corporation (GCC); sponsors and Host governments.

Jones then reviewed the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Act – as Sunset Legislation is officially known – and its provisions which he linked to the contractual obligations of ICC CWC 2007.

“It’s best to explain Sunset Legislation in this way for persons to get a proper understanding of how and why this legislation is a vital part of the tournament’s infrastructure. This legislation is how the Event’s contractual obligations are protected, so once those obligations have been defined, then it is easier to appreciate why these laws must be in place for the duration of the Cricket World Cup,” noted Jones.

Finally, the CWC official analysed ambush marketing – one of the main reasons for the introduction of Sunset Legislation – and compared it to other forms of legal complaints, with respect to Intellectual Property.

“It is very important that the regional judiciary grasp this law as they will be the ones who have to interpret and apply the legislation, should any cases arise. Those who attended were very interested in the aspect of ambush marketing as this phenomenon is new to this jurisdiction,” said Jones, adding that a “lively discussion” followed his presentation.

In his opening remarks, Honourable Chief Justice of Barbados, Sir David Simmons – who invited Jones to make the presentation – stressed it was important for the judiciary to “start early” in having a firm understanding on Sunset Legislation and its related topics.

“Having Mr. Jones here, at this time, is to make sure we are fully prepared in the eventuality that we are called on to preside over any matter (relating to Sunset Legislation),” said Sir David, who invited his peers from the OECS and Trinidad & Tobago to participate in the forum.

“This meeting will deal with several areas and the one that may be of most interest to us is the issue of ambush marketing. This is an area that is new to us here in Barbados and the Caribbean and we have to ensure that we have full details and clarity on the matter.”

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Judges in attendance (in alphabetical order): The Hon. Chief Justice Sir David Simmons; The Hon. Mr. Justice Christopher Blackman; The Hon. Mr. Justice William Chandler; The Hon. Mr. Justice John Connell; The Hon. Madam Justice Jacqueline Cornelius; The Hon. Madam Justice Kaye Goodridge; The Hon. Mr. Justice Leroy Inniss; The Hon. Madam Justice Elneth Kentish; The Hon. Mr. Justice Sherman Moore; The Hon. Madam Justice Margaret Reifer; Dr. The Hon. Madam Justice Sonia Richards; The Hon. Mr. Justice Frederick Waterman; The Hon. Mr. Justice Peter Williams; The Hon. Mr. Justice Randall Worrell (Barbados).

The Hon. Madam Justice Sandra Mason (OECS).

The Hon. Mr. Justice Carlton Best and The Hon. Mr. Justice Mustapha Ibrahim (Trinidad & Tobago).

Magistrates in attendance: Mr. Clyde Nicholls (Chief Magistrate); Ms. Pamela Beckles; Mr. Valton Bend; Mr. Christopher Birch; Ms. Barbara Cooke-Alleyne; Mr. Douglas Fredericks; Ms. Deborah Holder; Ms. Faith Marshall-Harris; Mr. Robert Simmons; Mr. Ian Weekes and Ms. Michelle Weekes (of Barbados).

Registrar of the Supreme Court of Barbados: Ms. Maureen Crane-Scott.

Resource Persons: Ms. Cheryl Corbin and Ms. Lorraine Alleyne.

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More Caribbean cricket fans are now buying tickets for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup as Phase 2 of Public Ticketing draws to a close.

The latest sales trends have shown an increase in ticket purchases by Host Venue nationals as the tournament draws nearer; with five countries which will stage matches in ICC CWC 2007 ranking among the top-ten nations worldwide for the most tickets bought.

In fact, collectively the number of tickets purchased by all Host Venue nationals exceeds that of the UK, which has been the top-ranked country for ticket purchases from the outset of Public Ticketing.

Commenting on this surge, ICC CWC 2007 Commercial Manager, Stephen Price, noted that “obviously Caribbean residents are now getting excited about the Cricket World Cup…and sitting up and buying tickets”.

“They don’t want to miss out on the most amazing event to ever come to the Caribbean so they are making sure they have their tickets,” he said.

At present, fans from the UK, USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Australia, Barbados, Jamaica, India, Canada, Guyana and Grenada respectively lead the way in numbers of tickets purchased. They are followed by South Africa and then three more Host Venues – St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda.

“Anticipation is building towards the (Cricket) World Cup, especially with fans watching the stadiums and other CWC-related projects coming to fruition. Also, the strong showing of the West Indies team in the ICC Champions Trophy – establishing themselves as contenders for the title next year – has intensified the interest among regional fans.”

Stressing that there are just two weeks until the close of Phase 2 of Public Ticketing on November 30, 2006, Price urged fans globally to seize the opportunity to give a unique gift of CWC match tickets as Christmas presents – and get their Yuletide shopping done early.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get family and friends an unusual present – something they will remember for a lifetime: tickets to the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean. Ticket prices compare favourably with other traditional gift options – US$10 can buy a ticket to the West Indies-India Warm-up game in Jamaica or the Australia-England Warm-up in St. Vincent and US$40 can get four Warm-up tickets at one venue. There are also Group Stage tickets for as low as US$15 and US$25 and Super 8 tickets for US$25,” stated the CWC Commercial Manager, reminding that the third and final phase of Public Ticketing will not open until mid-January 2007.

Price said interest in the Event is high partially because of the exotic Caribbean destinations which will be hosting matches.

“Look at the excitement in the crowds at the ICC Champions Trophy in India. The expectation is that the atmosphere in the Caribbean will be even better, because of our reputation for great hospitality, fun and partying. People are coming from all over the world – from more than a hundred countries – to participate in what will be an unforgettable experience.

“It’s going to be the best Cricket World Cup and we want fans to come for the cricket – and stay for the party,” he declared.

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Essex County Cricket Club’s provisional fixture list for the 2007 domestic cricket season can now be revealed.

The 1st XI begin their season at home to Derbyshire in the Liverpool Victoria County Championship during a busy opening to the campaign at The Ford County Ground.

Our first game in the ECB One-Day Trophy (formerly the C&G Trophy) against Hampshire Hawks is the first of two successive home fixtures in the competition, with Kent Spitfires following at Chelmsford a week later.

A mouth-watering trip to Dublin to face Ireland then represents the first away match in one-day cricket of the season in mid-May.

Essex Eagles begin their Twenty20 Cup programme with a home fixture against Sussex Sharks on Friday June 22 hoping to go one better than their semi-final appearance in 2006.

A home clash with Kent Spitfires followed by a visit to Lord’s to face the Middlesex Crusaders completes a trio of attractive Friday night encounters in consecutive weeks in the 20-over game.

The Eagles begin the defence of their NatWest Pro40 Division One title with a trip to Old Trafford to face Lancashire Lightning on Sunday July 15. Our first home match in the competition arrives at the start of August when Worcestershire Royals come to Chelmsford.

August is dominated by Festival cricket in the County with Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Bears coming to Garon Park, Southend from August 8-12 before Leicestershire and Sussex Sharks go to Castle Park, Colchester from August 22-26.

Our season ends in September with a string of games back at The Ford County Ground as local rivals Middlesex round off the season in Essex with a four-day match.

Visit the ECCC website at www.essexcricket.org.uk to access the full set of fixtures.

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