ICC CWC 2007 Spices Up Life In Grenada
Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Hon. Keith Mitchell, and his wife, Marietta, at today’s ICC CWC 2007 Super 8 match at Grenada National Stadium.
©Gayle Alleyne
ICC CWC 2007 Spices Up Life In Grenada
Chairman of the Grenada Local Organising Committee (LOC), Henry Joseph (right), and LOC CEO, Roy O’Neale.
©Gayle Alleyne
ICC CWC 2007 Spices Up Life In Grenada
A section of the crowd at the ICC CWC 2007 Super 8 match at Grenada National Stadium.
©Gayle Alleyne
Speaking as the Spice Isle staged the fourth of its six Super 8 matches in the tournament, he noted that the country had been “highly successful” in fulfilling its CWC commitment and that the Event has given a boost to residents.
“There has been a very positive reaction in how visitors feel about Grenada, in terms of hospitality, the atmosphere at matches and stadium facilities. Despite the loss of the West Indies team, Grenada has been a winner in the way we have come back from Hurricane Ivan (September 2004).
“This is a psychological lift for the country. The world appreciates how we have rebounded and our resilience in hosting this world-class tournament considering the circumstances we have faced,” said Dr. Mitchell.
Minister of Sports, Roland Bhola, also stressed the importance of Grenada’s involvement in ICC CWC 2007, stating that the decision “will pay off with great opportunities in the medium to long term”.
“I would like to congratulate all who worked to ensure that we got to this point: the Local Organising Committee (LOC) as well as persons in the Ministry (of Sports). I must mention the Cabinet as well who have been fully supportive of the dream of Grenada hosting World Cup matches.
“Then there’s the Grenadian public who have bought into this and who have demonstrated to the rest of the region and the world that we are capable of hosting this Event. From all reports we are doing very well and there have been no complaints,” he said.
LOC CEO, Roy O’Neale, confirmed Bhola’s assertion that operations are running smoothly at Grenada National Stadium, with two matches remaining after today.
"There were some challenges on the first day but it’s all a matter of fine-tuning. I’m very happy with how things have been going operationally. Our main concern was the Park & Ride as it is not something we had prior experience with. There were some teething problems but the process has been fine-tuned and we expect it will go smoothly now,” O’Neale reported.
He and LOC Chairman, Henry Joseph, also disclosed that there had been favourable feedback about media facilities, the Volunteer Programme (CWC VIBES) and the general manner in which visiting spectators have been received in Grenada.
“It’s a rewarding feeling to see the Cricket World Cup come to Grenada. We’ve had our challenges but this gives one a great sense of accomplishment,” declared Joseph.
