By Trevor Thwaites ( St. George's correspondent)


ST. GEORGE's, Grenada: Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell says that the region will be ready to host one of the best Cricket World Cups next year. He told reporters in Washington DC last week that all of the 24 deliverables for the mega event is being accomplished. “The issue of available room space, security, the preparation of stadiums and infrastructure and health care services for the successful hosting of the event, are being dealt with,” he disclosed.

“Everything is not okay at this particular time, but we are pretty comfortable where we are,” he said. Dr Mitchell, who is the chairman of the Prime Ministerial Sub-committee on cricket, said that the stadiums that were behind on schedule are catching up quickly. “In the case of Grenada we should be back on schedule by the end of April. We are pleased with the work of the Chinese at this time,” he said and noted that an additional 100 Chinese workers have been added to the work force.

Work is now progressing around the clock as construction intensifies to get the facility ready for the world cup. Venue Development Manager of the National Stadium Lennox Archibald said recently that construction will be completed by November and that the facility will be officially handed by the Chinese in December. Dr Mitchell meantime, has taken a swipe at elements at home and in the region, who he said are questioning the region’s ability to host the mega event.

Dr Mitchell is concerned about the sincerity of these people, who he says said nothing when the region earned the right to host the event years ago. The prime minister said that having already committed millions towards the event, the focus of the region should now be on producing probably the best world cup ever, because if it is moved to another country, the region will be losing millions. “It amounts to malicious intent and the lack of care for the region. To raise it now is extremely unfortunate,” he told reporters.

He said that the Grenada’s hosting of matches in the event is not costing the country much because the Chinese are building the stadium and that the other facilities needed are being provided by good friends and neighbours. “We are not committing huge cash because we do not have it,” he pointed out. He reiterated that the world cup will bring tremendous benefits to Grenada and the region. “We will get substantial revenue from ticket sales, hotel occupancy taxes, departure taxes. These are millions and millions of dollars,” the prime minister said. He noted that taxi and bus drivers, businessmen, fishermen, farmers and young people, will benefit during the period.

However, Dr Mitchell referred to the marketing of the country as a top tourist destination, as the most critical. “We invest 12 million dollars a year marketing Grenada. The world cup will give millions of dollars more than what the tourism budget will be able to provide for 10 years. So it is a plus in every aspect. The world cup will show up Grenada and the region during the event, the medium and long term,” Prime Minister Mitchell said and calls on everyone despite their political affiliations to work with the local organizing committees in their respective countries, to stage a memorable event.