Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday appointed Senator Delano Franklyn as Minister with oversight responsibility for the coordination of the country's preparations leading up to the ICC's Cricket World Cup in March next year.

Mrs. Simpson Miller announced Minister Franklyn's new charge in a meeting of public and private sector entities held to update the gathering on projects slated to be completed for the event in 2007. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure that Jamaica maximises the opportunity the event holds for the country during and after the tournament.

Cricket committee

Minister Franklyn, in his new capacity, will be supported by a Cricket Legacy Management Committee and a secretariat to be housed at the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). The committee will come to the next meeting with a list of projects to be completed for the event. The announcement was made yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister. Among the sectors represented were planning, health, security, tourism and infrastructure.