CATEGORY:SPORTS (CRICKET)
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by Trevor Thwaites
Inside Grenada correspondent
Monday November 13,2006


THE LOC (Local Organizing Committee) for Cricket World Cup 2007 says that the Spice Isle will rock next year, when the country hosts Super Eight or second round matches in the tournament.

Grenada’s hosting of matches in the big Cricketing extravaganza, was put in doubt after the National Stadium, one of the better facilities in region, was plundered by Hurricane Ivan, which devastated the country two years ago.

But, after a year’s preparation with the staunch support of the Chinese Government, which is building the stadium, Grenada is ready to host its share of matches in the competition with much pomp and ceremony.

“Grenada will rock. The vibrations will be never as seen before. We are ready to host some of the better games in the competition”, Public Relations Officer of the LOC, Troy Garvey, said as he spoke about the country’s preparations at the recent Prize-Giving Ceremony of the St Andrew’s Cricket League at the Papa D’s Restaurant and Night Club in Mirabeau, St. Andrew’s.

Work to rebuild the National Stadium by China began in November last year and one year later, the facility, which will soon be completed, is being touted as possibly the best in the region and one of the top four in the world.

Garvey, in an impressive slide presentation, gave a detailed account of the magnificent transformation of the National Stadium, with attractive pictures showing the phenomenal progress accomplished over the months, starting from June to the present time.

The installation of seats began last week, while the finishing touches are being put on the players and media pavilions, posse stand and Venue Operating Centre (VOC).

The National Stadium will host six matches from April 10-20 next year. Garvey said if all goes to plan, the stadium will be erupting on April 20 when the West Indies is expected to meet South Africa, according to the form books. Other teams expected to play Super Eight matches at the National Stadium are New Zealand and Pakistan.

Garvey called on people in St Andrew, Grenada and the region in general, to take advantages of the commercial opportunities being offered by the World Cup. He said that with an estimated US$250 billion expected to be generated in tourism related activities and that there is much scope for business.

Garvey is confident that Grenada and the other host venues will stage a high quality event- one of the best ever. Over 2.2 million people around the world are expected to view the 2007 Cricket World Cup and from all indications Garvey say “Grenada will rock”.