THE EDITOR, Sir:
I FOR one do not find amusing the Prime Minister's seemingly cavalier approach in the selection of the venue for the 2007 World Cup. Each time we hear of an impending announcement only to be followed by further procrastination with the formation of another committee.
It's quite obvious that the Prime Minister and his advisors are treating this matter as though 2007 is a decade away and they have the luxury of toying with this decision until the very last hour. Notwithstanding the fact that competing territories are way ahead in their preparations, we are being told that there is no need for panic as our existing infrastructure is superior to these other countries. What nonsense!
We must realise that there are several factors that can impinge negatively on both time and the quality of work to meet World Cup standards. For example, vagaries of the weather, the likelihood of striking workers, sourcing of materials and the testing of electronic transmission systems etc. all require timely and deliberate execution.
If our memories are short, I must remind us that our credibility as a host nation has already been tainted as not too long ago a Test match had to be abandoned on the very first day because of the poor preparation of the batting strip. "He that hath ears to hear let him hear."
The folly of this whole charade is that in my opinion the Prime Minister has long decided on the venue but in his effort to please all parties he is displaying a lack of responsible and pragmatic leadership.
I am, etc.,
DERVEN G. PULLAR
40 Shenstone Drive
Kingston 6
