Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer

Vilma McDonald, coordinator of the Volunteer Programme for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. - File

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup will see some of Jamaica's most influential persons serving as volunteers.

Vilma McDonald, coordinator of the Local Organising Committee's (LOC) volunteer programme, said the likes of former Public Defender, Howard Hamilton, was among a rapid influx of applicants at the start of September. Mr. Hamilton, she said, is being considered to be among a special group of volunteers to be designated as 'Welcome Ambassadors'. The group will interact with heads of state and other dignitaries during matches.

Nurses, doctors and health professionals will also be a part of the LOC's medical directorate led by head of the medical and anti-doping directorate for the ICC, Dr. Marion Ducasse from the Ministry of Health.

"It will be hard work, because we will be responsible for all the teams as well as everyone in the venue. Nevertheless, it is a high privilege to be part of a team of volunteers designated to assist in showcasing Jamaica positively," she said.

Giving of their time

Another volunteer, Winston Dear, former president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, said: "Business leaders should not only give of their money, but should also give of their time." Mr. Dear said he is looking forward to Jamaica's participation as a host country. He believes millions of persons will be looking at Jamaica and, as such, "It will be a good opportunity to promote ourselves and for western Jamaica to play a major role in a big event."

The LOC previously announced that 1,000 volunteers were required. "However, when the period for applications officially ended on September 15, we had more than 1,700 volunteers to be divided between Kingston and Trelawny," Mrs. McDonald added.

She said 400 volunteers were required to serve at the greenfield site in Trelawny, however, 471 persons have answered the call. She said the initial projection of 600 for Sabina Park has been met with 1,227 applications.

Security screening

Security screening of all applicants is the next step in the process to select eligible volunteers. According to Mrs. McDonald, this step would involve investigations for criminal records. Additionally, by the month of December, training will begin for all volunteers in their different capacities.