Elton Tucker, Assistant Sport Editor
Politicians and members of the cricket fraternity have a hearty laugh at the end of the service of thanksgiving and dedication to mark one year before the start of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 at the University chapel Mona campus yesterday. From left are Robert Bryan, executive director of Jamaica Cricket 2007 Ltd., the Local Organising Committee (LOC); Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston, ICC WI CWC 2007 CEO and managing director Chris Dehring, LOC chairman Dr. Wayne Reid, Jackie Hendricks, president of the Jamaica Cricket Association and Delano Franklyn, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
MANAGING DIRECTOR and Chief Executive Officer of ICC West Indies Cricket World Cup 2007, Chris Dehring, said yesterday that the tournament can only succeed with the full backing and conscious participation of every single citizen in the Caribbean.
Dehring who was speaking at a service of thanksgiving and dedication held at the University Chapel, Mona to mark one year before the start of the 16-team tournament, said it is now time for mobilisation and action.
The first three warm-up matches will take place on March 5, 2007 with the West Indies vs Kenya at the stadium being built on the Greenfield site in Trelawny; England vs Bermuda in St. Vincent and South Africa vs Canada in Trinidad and Tobago.
"The planning has been thorough, decisive and complete," he said.
He added: "We have the commitment of the governments, the Local Organising Committees (LOCs), territorial cricket boards, security forces, Customs and immigration personnel and other key stakeholders. The largest group of stakeholders is the people who live and work in the Caribbean. We are the hosts, inviting the world to come and share this experience with us on our home turf and we all have a part to play."
Dehring called on citizens of the Caribbean to work for the success of the tournament by becoming volunteers and highlighted the business opportunities which will become available.
"We will be especially reliant on those of you who answer the call to become volunteers for the event. Whatever your role may be during the tournament, our key aim is to ensure the experience is positive and memorable for all of our guests. Although they will be here primarily for the cricket, the memories that they cherish will definitely go 'beyond the boundary' and it is especially in that way that you can have an impact.
"For the business-minded, ICC WI Cricket World Cup 2007 also represents an opportunity to provide goods and services, from food and entertainment to transportation and accommodation. However you become involved, remember, each of us is an ambassador for our country and our region and our actions matter," Dehring said.
Also speaking at yesterday's service was chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Wayne Reid. He also called for volunteers as his staff was small and "the task is great".
Senator Delano Franklyn, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, read the first lesson while the second was read by president of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Jackie Hendriks.
Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie and Robert Bryan, executive director of the Local Organising Committee, were also among the congregation.
Officiating minister was the Rev. Dr. Robert Thompson, Bishop of Kingston.
