Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter

KINGSTON Mayor, Desmond McKenzie, has again expressed concerns about the readiness of the city to host the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.

Speaking yesterday at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Area Council One meeting at Kingston College where officers were re-elected en bloc, Mayor McKenzie said the city is about 35 per cent ready for the tournament, despite the mega event being just over 60 days away.

"I don't know if Houdini or Mandrake (magicians) are going to suddenly appear and wave a magic wand and bring Kingston and its environs up to speed to host the cricket," Mayor McKenzie said.

"It is a disgrace ... a national disgrace," he added.

Mr. McKenzie later told The Gleaner that while Jamaica's stadiums may be ready to host the World Cup, the physical readiness of the entire country, particularly Kingston, is nothing to brag about.

"I put the readiness of the city at about 35 per cent," Mr. McKenzie said.

Waterfront landscaping yet to take form

"Kingston is dirty, Kingston is filthy ... I have been talking about this for two years now and very little has been done."

The CWC will commence with the opening ceremony at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on March 11, with warm-up games to bowl off six days earlier. On March 13, the eyes of the world will focus on Kingston for the first ever World Cup game in the Caribbean when the West Indies face Pakistan at Sabina Park.

Government has, for a long time, spoken about the redevelopment of the Kingston Waterfront, renovation of the Kingston craft market and the general improvement of road networks in time for the World Cup. However, The Gleaner's observations show that except for the construction of a small water fountain and erection of a statue at one section along the Kingston Waterfront, the much-talked-about landscaping of the area is yet to take form.

Still need attention

Similarly, some roads in Allman Town and Kingston Gardens, Campbell Town, Wildman Street and Price Lane remain in disrepair; homes and property need a facelift; derelict buildings continue to scar the city and St. William Grant Park and the markets still yearn for attention.

The National Works Agency has already begun road repairs along a section of South Camp Road which runs past Sabina Park. Repeated attempts by The Gleaner for other work schedules in the area have been met with limited response.

Meanwhile, Donald Buchanan, general secretary of the governing People's National Party (PNP), has reaffirmed its position that Jamaica is ready for the World Cup. At a post-Cabinet press briefing in December, Mr. Buchanan placed Jamaica's readiness at 85 per cent. Contacted yesterday, Mr. Buchanan was steadfast. "I stand by what I said then," he said.

Of Kingston's readiness, Mr. Buchanan said "I am comfortable with where we are with preparations for World Cup 2007".

While games are being played at Sabina Park, the National Stadium complex, Up Park Camp, National Heroes Circle, the Urban Development Corporation and the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) spaces downtown will be used a parking areas and patrons will be shuttled to the Sabina Park ground.