Grenada PM Mitchell takes over LOC

Mitchell said that the decision was taken about four weeks ago — before the Caricom Inter-Sessional Meeting in Trinidad earlier this month.

"Recognising the absolute necessity for quick decision-making and to facilitate our preparations for the World Cup, I have decided to take full responsibility for the preparation of the Queen’s Park for the World Cup and all related issues for Grenada’s readiness for World Cup 2007," Mitchell said.

Mitchell, who is also the chairman of the Caricom Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, said that he has already held meetings with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Grenada.

"Every Friday at 11 o’clock we meet and review the past week’s activities and what decisions need to be made to make sure that we are on top of everything," he said.

On February 12, the Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur had also announced that he is taking full responsibility for all World Cup preparation activities in Barbados. Managing Director and CEO of Cricket World Cup 2007 Inc, Chris Dehring lauded the move by both leaders.

"This move is indicative of simply the fact that we are moving into a much higher gear of our preparations and I am very heartened to see how both Prime Minister Arthur and Prime Minister (Keith) Mitchell in Grenada and other prime ministers are taking a very serious look at Cricket World Cup and ensuring that things will be done," Dehring told CMC.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will visit Grenada today, as part of the fifth Venue Tour, to monitor this country’s preparation for the hosting of six Super 8 matches during the Cricket World Cup 2007.

The delegation comprising Professor Eugene van Vuuren — Venue Consultant, Andy Atkinson — Pitch and Field Consultant, Rick Jemison — Broadcast Manager, Professor Jeff Atherton — Sports Agronomy Team Coordinator and Don Lockerbie — Chief Operations Officer/Venue Development Director, were due to arrive here yesterday evening from Guyana after completing a similar exercise in that country.

While in Grenada, the officials will meet with Mitchell, visit the National Stadium construction, the two proposed practice venues at La Sagesse and Progress Park, and the hotel identified to accommodate the visiting media during the event.