Jamaicans pull the choke

Cricket officials in Jamaica are working overtime to get ready for the 2007 World Cup (CWC). Before that, however, they have another deadline in mind. Sabina Park needs to be ready for the visit by India next month.

Robert Bryan, executive director of the Jamaica local organising committee (LOC), said he believes they will meet both timelines. Apart from Sabina Park, the Jamaicans also have to crack the whip and ensure the new Greenfield Ground in Trelawny is ready for the CWC opening ceremony on March 11, 2007.

In recent days the news that cement shortages could have a crippling effect on CWC preparations has made the rounds around the world, causing some panic among investors and stakeholders. Jamaica was hardest hit.

Robert Bryan, executive director of the Jamaica local organising committee, said the cement situation put them back "by about a week" but he was confident they could make up the time. "We have been affected but we believe we will be ready for the CWC. But before that, we have the tour by India and we will be hosting two One-Day Internationals (May 18 and 20) and a Test match (June 30 to July 4)." Bryan said the major efforts would be centred around rebuilding the confidence of all those around the project and the global stakeholders as well.

In its report to the CWC, the Jamaica local organising committee stated: "We are exploring a number of different scenarios in an effort to make up for the time lost." These include: discussions with the Caribbean Cement Co. Ltd. to consider the national importance of our major undertakings at Sabina Park and in Trelawny, thereby ensuring priority deliveries; discussions with contractors to revise their construction schedules while maintaining the established completion dates of November 30, 2006, for Trelawny and October 31, 2006, for Sabina Park; significant increases in material, labour and equipment resources; and acceleration of external work activities, particularly in Trelawny.

Sabina will be transformed for the CWC. The giant George Headley Stand at the southern end will be further enhanced with 1000 additional seats. The dressing-rooms will be moved from the Headley Stand into a new five-tier north stand. The stand will also house 75 new corporate boxes, print and broadcast media facilities and two levels of premium seats. The famous Party Mound will be switched from the north-eastern end of the ground to the eastern side, replacing the East Stand.

As part of the overall redevelopment, the area in the capital known as "Downtown" is scheduled to undergo a major facelift. Downtown Kingston is expected to be furnished with a modern waterfront facility by the end of this year, with the craft market also scheduled to be renovated by December. In addition, the William Grant Park will also be remodeled before year-end and bus terminals are also expected to be relocated from central Downtown by February next year.

Bryan said the plans were part of the drive to enhance Jamaica as a tourism brand. "Vital to what the country takes out of this event is very much tied into how we understand, prepare for and position that brand that is called Jamaica," he said. "We believe that if we focus and continue on that path then there are a lot of benefits that will arise to Kingston out of that, because the area has the potential to become a major centre."

Ocean Boulevard in Downtown, Kingston will also be the location for the official ticketing centre. There are plans to designate Hope Gardens as the official cultural and family entertainment centre during the tournament, with several other specially-organised centres being designed for official vending and entertainment areas.

The West Kingston area of Trench Town, which was home to the legendary Bob Marley, is also expected to be spruced up in order to further market its historical value.