Kwesi Mugisa, Staff ReporterEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for next year's Cricket World Cup, Jamaica Cricket 2007 Limited, Robert Bryan, has encouraged Jamaicans everywhere to have a 'can-do' attitude towards hosting the global event next year.
"A lot of persons in Jamaica have simply in my view, become accustomed to and are well practised in the art of not getting things done," Bryan said. "At times we can be almost paralysed by culture of what we can't do as opposed to focusing on those things that we can do and actually more from a focus to actually getting it done."
Speaking to a sizeable gathering of mostly people seeking business opportunities at the Jamaica Conference Centre, Bryan reminded all present that whether the nation was ready or not, the Cricket World Cup would be coming to the island's shores next May.
However, the event would not be all about cricket and the tournament's success would not be hinged on whether or not the West Indies cricket team does well.
"You have Australia and all the other countries and somebody will have to win it. But you have visitors that will arrive from all over the world to not only support their team, but witness the spectacle of the event," he pointed out.
RENOVATION
In order to accommodate the thousands of tourists expected for the event, the Kingston renovation project and especially the downtown Kingston renovation project, is expected to soon kick into high gear. This will include the putting up of street lights, street signs, improvements and addition of public conveniences and bigger projects like the remodelling of the St. William James Grand Park.
The Kingston waterfront is not only expected to be remodelled but is also being looked at as a commercial zone. Moving further uptown, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is also looking at restoring the much recently maligned Hope Gardens, the official family entertainment location centre, which should also include the availability of craft and other items for purchase.
There is also expected to be development at the popular Devon House location.
Bryan challenged the inner- city areas, which will surround the Cricket World Cup, to continue to come up with entertainment ideas, which could see them benefitting from the event being in their neck of the woods. Talks have already began between the LOC and people in areas like Allman Town, Rae Town and Trench Town with regard to exploring ideas put forward in that respect.
A bit of controversy sparked during discussions about the Bed and Breakfast Home Stay Programme, which will allow tourists to stay with locals who have proper facilities for rent.
In order to qualify for the programme, applicants must have proof of ownership of the premises and a means of communication. Quite a few applicants seemed to fall short of the mark. Bryan, however, explained that for a global event, international standards must be maintained.
