Parliamentarians are expected to debate the Sunset Legislation to govern the hosting of Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, in the House of Representatives this afternoon.

The media have raised serious concerns about aspects of the legislation, urging that these be considered given their likely negative impact on private business.

Dr. Peter Phillips, the Leader of Government Business in the House, has promised World Cup organisers that the bill will be debated and passed ahead of the November 1 deadline.

The Sunset legislation, which will expire on June 30 next year, will include provisions demanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC), to ensure the efficient hosting of the event in March and April next year.

Nine host countries

Of the nine host countries, so far only Barbados, St. Kitts and now Antigua have passed the legislation.

Christopher Dehring, chief executive officer of ICC CWC West Indies 2007, who last week raised the concerns that the deadline could be missed and the tournament could be moved to previous hosts, South Africa, has now expressed confidence that it will be passed in time.

Speaking to The Gleaner/Power 106 News yesterday, Derrick Jones, legal advisor to the tournament, echoed this confidence.

"All things being equal it looks as if we will get it passed throughout the region by November 1 or thereabouts," he said.

Sunset timetable

Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will table the Sunset Legislation this week and Guyana next Monday. Trinidad is expected to pass the legislation this week.