CLARKE
OLIVER CLARKE, the chairman and managing director of the Gleaner Company, has raised concerns about what he called "the stony silence" of Government on major issues related to the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC).
In his address to members of the Rotary Club of Falmouth on Saturday, Mr. Clarke said there were too many unanswered questions about the CWC, and suggested that the Government is not doing enough to prepare itself to reap the full benefits of the upcoming event.
"Why is there not better control from central government of this massive event? A void exists and it could become a costly void. Even if not one spectator arrives, there will be enormous media coverage," he said. "Surely one of the best management groups in the country needs to be assembled and charged with maximising the benefit for Jamaica. That group does not seem to exist right now. It is the responsibility of central government to put that group in place and tell the country who they are."
NO PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME
Mr. Clarke pointed out that no public educational programme has been created to help create a friendly environment for visitors.
"This has to be a big, big mistake," he said.
The media mogul also highlighted some questions he said needed to be answered.
"How many spectators are coming? Where will they stay? If Ocho Rios or Montego Bay, how will they get to and from Kingston? What are the business opportunities that are created that Jamaicans can exploit profitably?" Mr. Clarke asked.
He pointed out that the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce was working with JAMPRO to develop business opportunity zones that would allow Jamaican businesses and entrepreneurs to meet and trade with the spectators. "But this work is just developing and appears to be being done because no one in central government is doing the work," he said.
Mr. Clarke said the support of all residents was critical for the event to be successful. He added that he hoped the Government would take steps soon to change what he called a potential disorganised mess into a successful and profitable major promotional event for the country.
