Howard Walker, Staff Reporter

BRYAN

WITH 98 days to go before the start of the biggest sporting event in the Caribbean and the world's third largest sporting event - the Cricket World Cup, Jamaica still has a lot of work to be done.

This was revealed by Robert Bryan, executive director of Jamaica Local Organising Committee at a press briefing yesterday at Jampro's training room.

Jamaica, which was awarded the Yellow Package that includes the opening ceremony, a semi-final match and four warm-up games, must be ready for handing over to the ICC CWC, 21 days before the start of the event.

Agreements have been reached with all practice venues (Chedwin Park, Kensington, Kaiser and Jarrett Park) and upgrading work is about to begin.

Agreements reached

Bryan also noted that agreements have been reached with other critical sites for the venue operation of Sabina Park. These include Emmett Park, the Holy Trinity school ground and the lands to locate the search park - a processing area - on South Camp Road. The LOC will take possession of Emmett Park, located at St. George's College, on December 1.

The United States Department of Transport, Oriel/CTS and Goddard's are three of the entities being contracted to help in Jamaica's push to be ready in March with the transportation, security and catering.

USAID assistance

"The transportation plan is being finalised, having received assistance from the U.S. Department of Transport, through its USAID office in Jamaica," said Bryan.

The Park and Ride locations have been secured with the exception of National Heroes' Park. "We are still trying to negotiate an affordable fee with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)," said Bryan.

The security master plan has also been developed and is being implemented. Currently, England-based Oreil Security, is training security personnel from across the region at Sabina Park to meet the ICC standards.

Goddards/Positive Impact out of Barbados has secured the catering contract, and will organise and manage the programme across the region.

"We are working with them to ensure that they understand clearly the requirements of our local authorities and public health regulations, as well as the need to include as much as possible the participation of small entrepreneurs, especially those that are usually associated with cricket in Jamaica," explained Bryan.