PM Manning excited about World Cup 2007

ALTHOUGH he could not attend the Local Organising Committee (LOC) launch at the Trinidad Hilton yesterday, Prime Minister Patrick Manning sent a message that he was very excited at the prospect of hosting World Cup cricket matches in Trinidad and Tobago.

Sports Minister Roger Boynes speaking at the press conference said: ”The Honourable Prime Minister is very sorry for not being here but he sends a message that he is very excited about the fact that his country will be hosting cricket matches during the 2007 World Cup, and that his Government will be supporting the venture whole-heartedly.” Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control (TTCBC) hosted a press briefing yesterday to announce the names of the different committees and the chairpersons who will be in charge. The LOC will comprise TTCBC president Alloy Lequay as well as other very prominent citizens.

Among those named to head committees are former Miss World Giselle La Ronde-West and Brigadier John Sandy who will be in charge of  security. The chairman of the committee is first TTCBC vice-president Ellis Lewis and  others are Richard DeSouza, Baldath Mahabir, Michael Carew, Bruce Aanensen, Michelle Rahaman, Ousman Ali, Eddison Isaac, Donna Ramsammy, Gerard Pinard, Wendy Ishmael and Anand Daniel. Lewis addressing the gathering said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has all the rights at the World Cup and that there will be strict measures in place to adhere to their regulations. “There are to be no singns at the grounds other than those that the ICC puts up. Even if their is an air-condition unit with a maker’s label on it, the name of the maker will have to be blocked out.”

Lewis also added that the committee will be lobbying for six matches in Trinidad and Tobago and that they are looking at three venues. The full Local Organizing Committee:
Ellis Lewis - Executive Chairman;
Richard Desouza - Deputy Chairman;
Alloy Lequay - Chief Executive;
Baldath Mahabir - Venues Development Planning.
Michael “Joey” Carew - Venue Organisation - Facilities;
Bruce Aanensen - Venue, Players & Patrons Welfare;
Michelle Rahaman - Marketing & Promotions;
Ousman Ali - Protocol; Air Travel;
Brig. John Sandy - Security and Internal;
Eddison Isaac - Transport Management;
Giselle La Ronde - Hospitality; Hotel;entertainment;
Donna Ramsammy - Media & Public Relations & Communication;
Gerard Pinard - Corporate Sector Liaison;
Wendy Ishmael - Merchandising, Advertising & Promotions;
Anand Daniel - Secretarial Services.