CARICOM Heads to Discuss Cricket World Cup at St. Lucia Meeting

CARICOM Leaders are slated to discuss the region’s preparedness to host the Cricket World Cup in 2007 at a special meeting of Heads of Government scheduled for St. Lucia next week. This was disclosed by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson at a meeting of the National Council on Sports (NCS) held at Jamaica House on Tuesday (Nov. 4).
Mr. Patterson said a considerable amount of time would be devoted to discussion on the resources that will be required to stage the tournament as well as legislations relating to customs, immigration, security and copyright, which would have to be implemented ahead of the event.
Meanwhile, Head of the National Steering Committee for the World Cup Dr. Wayne Reid, presented a preliminary update on the country’s preparedness to host portions of the tournament. He also outlined some specific requirements relating to match venues and media facilities, as well as customs, immigration, health and security.
The steering committee is expected to submit its final report to the Prime Minister before yearend.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Prime Minister Patterson also stressed the urgent need for special training courses and facilities for young athletes. He said this was in recognition of the need to further develop the talents of young athletes and also in light of the prevalence of drugs in the field of sports. “We see what is happening in all fields of sports in relation to doping and drugs. We cannot continue to expose our young athletes to the temptation of such influences abroad,” Mr. Patterson stressed.
The Sports Development Foundation, the Urban Development Corporation and the Independence Park Management Company Ltd, were the agencies which presented reports at the meeting.
Among those in attendance were the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports; Hon. Derrick Kellier, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security; Mr. Howard Aries, Executive Director of the National Council on Sports; Mr. Jimmy Carnegie, Jamaica Olympic Association and Mr. Herb McKenley, Special Advisor to the NCS.