Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

IT IS up to Jamaica to get the Cricket World Cup off to a sizzling start and set the trend for the rest of the region, said Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, as he addressed the gathering at the RJR Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus on Thursday night

The eyes of the world will turn towards the nation when the ICC Cricket World Cup dawns with the opening ceremony at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Sports Complex on Sunday, March 11.

Chiefly among them will be those of our nine regional Cup partners who will share the responsibility of hosting the world's third most-watched sporting event. The rest of the Caribbean will be hoping that Jamaica will provide the spark which should illuminate what is hoped will be an unforgettable tournament.

"Jamaica will play one of the most crucial roles in hosting the World Cup," said Mitchell.

"Jamaica will be the barometer for the region's success," he said. "The initial impressions and images that our many visitors, players, sponsors and officials will have of our ability to host this event will be planted here."

Mitchell challenged the nation to embrace the role as the early trendsetters for the biggest event the Caribbean has hosted.

"The region is depending on you for an early masterful innings like the ones played by the great George Headley," the Prime Minister, who admitted to being excited by a visit to Sabina Park, said.

" Let the rest of us in the region know that we have a big act to follow," he said.

"Jamaica has no choice but to ensure that the seeds of organisation, good planning, punctuality, enjoyment and safety are sown well. If they are not, we will have a substandard event," he said.

The World Cup festivities will get under way at the Trelawny stadium on March 5 with the West Indies taking on Kenya in a practice match.