JAMAICA CRICKET 2007, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Inter-national Cricket Council (ICC) West Indies (WI) Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, is worried about delays that could crop up at Sabina Park and the Greenfield site on which the stadium is being built in Trelawny.
Firstly, there is a growing problem with the contractors that have been given the charge of developing Sabina and their Chinese counterparts.
The issue arose when Ashtrom, the construction company given the contract to redevelop Sabina Park, brought in Chinese workers to help get the project finished on schedule.
LOCALS DISMAYED
Local workers at the construction company were apparently dismayed by the move, a point of view that threatened to slow down the process.
In a press conference yesterday to summarise the progress of Jamaica's development for the ICC CWC 2007, Jamaica Cricket 2007 executive director, Robert Bryan, said his organisation was watching the issue.
"To the extent that there is a delay on any of the sites we have an ongoing concern so we are watching the situation closely," said Bryan.
While Bryan and his team were paying attention to the situation they have so far steered clear of any form of intervention.
"All I'm interested in is the timely delivery of the stadium," Brian commented.
Astrom has not contacted the LOC regarding whether the situation has been resolved just yet though.
INTERNAL DISCUSSIONS
"We have no word because these are internal discussions between the construction company and their workers," said Venue Development manager of Jamaica Cricket 2007 Ltd. Chris Smith.
Another issue that has given the LOC cause for concern is the apparent shortage of cement within the Caribbean.
"My biggest concern is the solving of the cement shortage issue. That is the real issue, because it has actually affected the pouring schedule there (Sabina Park)," said Bryan.
"We did check with the cement company yesterday and we were advised that the situation would be sorted out shortly," said Smith regarding the cement company's promise to import cement to make up for the shortfall.
P.-A. Walker
