CATEGORY:POLITICS(SPORTS) ------------------------------ INSIDE GRENADA Monday April 09,2007 EDITOR'S NOTE: This article represents the views, policies and vision of the New National Party (NNP) headed by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. The NNP has been in office since 1995 - for three consecutive terms. In the last general election, the NNP won 8 of the 15 seats that were contested. The time has finally come. From April 10, 2007 to April 20, 2007, our new and improved National Stadium is the place of focus as it is now our turn to host Cricket World Cup 2007. We are extremely hopeful that our West Indies team will be inspired by our blessed Grenadian spirit and resiliency, and regain its championship form by once again rising to take its familiar place atop the cricketing world. We were very fortunate to get, arguably, the best World Cup games package. And we also had the privilege of using the games which preceded ours as a case study. We welcome the world to our home - the jewel of the Eastern Caribbean, and assure the international community that we are back in business and better than ever. Our ability to host this magnificent event will be further testament that we are ready. As we are about to open our new National Stadium and have the good fortune of our West Indies cricket team do the honors, we as a nation are actually at bat in the eyes of the entire world. We are on exhibition to showcase our country’s unmatched beauty and magnetism as well as one of the best cricketing centers not only in the Caribbean but in the world. Therefore we must make a good account of ourselves by simply showing the rest of the world the kind of marvelous hospitality, warmth, friendliness and love this country has to offer. The natural majestic beauty of the country will do the rest. Beautification works and cleaning, roadways, bridges and outer works will be in a state of preparedness up until game time. All support systems have been tested and re-tested and are ready to go. We know that our West Indies cricket team is going through some though times of late. But like good family, we must stand by with encouragement and support. Our West Indies cricket team has had much success in the past. It is expected that after this World Cup we would have a re-examination of our strategy and find ways to recapture the success of the past. We have to reconsider what part did motivation, self-belief, mental toughness, discipline, professionalism and good teamwork play? What did good leadership and mastery of the basics contribute to that success? How good were our systems for identifying, developing and enhancing natural talent? It is imperative that we recapture the formula that worked when West Indies dominated cricket for some fifteen (15) consecutive years. Sometimes it is a good thing not to reinvent the wheel – especially when you can draw from such success. Ignoring our past, as may be the case today can be very damaging. The love we have for our West Indies team would not be best served if we fail to constructively raise the issues confronting the team. However, the West Indies team is ours, and we have to continue to give full support and love in these tough times as they hopefully are learning from their mistakes. We rode the waves when they were on top of the game and dominated cricket. Now we owe it to them and those who laid the foundation to stick it out until we all see better days. Starting with the match against South Africa on Tuesday, April 10th at our National Stadium, we know that better days are ahead. We envisage superlative performances at these Super Eight (8) Games …as we Rally-around-the-West Indies. This National Stadium belongs to all of us and we are now charged with the responsibility of making good use of it. Collectively, we are to stand tall. The world remembers the Spice Isle, a small country that only two years ago was reeling from successive devastating blows from hurricanes ‘Ivan’ and ‘Emily.’ Our resiliency and national pride with help from our supportive friendships locally, regionally and internationally have proven to the world that we will not be deterred. Remember, we have a proud sports history. The Old Queens Park facility organized games dating back to the early 1860s and organized the first International Cricket Council fixture in 1983 which featured a one-day international match (ODI) between the West Indies and India. We encourage all Grenadians to take full advantage of the associated spin-off opportunities that the World Cup event presents. I urge all Grenadians to be good Ambassadors. The games will give Grenada the kind of exposure never experienced before. Let us make the very most of it. This Government, with simultaneous challenges taxing its limited resources, has done everything feasible in keeping our eyes on the prize as we continue to build this blessed country. We thank, in particular, the Government of China and all supporters and workers for making this opening…these Super Eight (8) games possible. In spite of all the spiteful efforts and failed attempts of interference by career skeptics who have their ulterior political agenda, we remained steadfast and are ready. Look out for them because I am sure that they will be scampering to take your seats at the event. This time around, however, we have numbered seats so have no fear.. By the grace of God and the sweat and commitment of caring souls we will not be deterred…for this nation is resolute in its quest for the greater good! Your destiny is in your hands and this Government will stand side-by-side with you as we endeavour to make the best of it. There are several benefits derived from this World Cup experience. Some of these are: • We now have a first class National Cricket Stadium. • Cricket World Cup 2007, will establish a legacy that Grenadians today as well as those for generations to come would be proud of. • The infrastructural framework and other developmental works are fast-tracked to accommodate Cricket World Cup. • The infrastructural and other developmental works will attract investors. • This exercise serves as a good test for the CSME initiative. • It promotes improvement of tourism services and a better tourism product. • It further promotes regional integration • The spin-off opportunities for the business sector will be enormous… with the potential of boosting our economy. Steps have been taken to make admission to the games more accommodating, so we urge you to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity by attending the games and be a part of history. Over the years we have been presented with unique challenges that have in many respects stretched us and brought us closer together. All things considered, we are confident that we will put on a good World Cup. We would love to know that when our visitors leave these beautiful shores, they will have lasting and pleasant memories of Grenada for many return trips to come. Please use one’s discretion and cooperate with the rules and regulations as designed by the respective authorities. The ICC regulations are standardised throughout the Cricket World Cup games. Patriotically, let us all close ranks and rally behind this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity –“Rally Round the West Indies.” Please help us transmit the confidence that the West Indies will rebound and be a Winner on our Winning turf in Queens Park. We are resolute and with God’s grace - confident of a great showing. Enjoy good cricket as Grenada Rocks.