Marvia Roach ... CWC 2007 corporate communications director. - Contributed

KINGSTON (CMC):

ICC CRICKET World Cup (CWC) 2007 organisers are pointing to stepped up preparation with less than a month now to the start of warm-up matches in cricket's global event.

Monday marked exactly one month in the countdown to the start of warm-up games in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

Speaking about the landmark from ICC CWC 2007 headquarters, corporate communications director, Marvia Roach, noted that "with so few days left, everyone is working around the clock to ensure that we do everything we can to see the region deliver to world-class standards".

"CWC staff throughout the region work seven days a week and the momentum is gathering. It's pretty close now - crunch time. A number of event stakeholders have set up office in the Caribbean and are working alongside the LOCs (Local Organising Committees) and CWC.

"The general public seems to be getting a real feel for the event as they can see evidence of more and more preparations and advertising taking place," she said.

CWC colours

"City dressing is going up in the host venues and soon CWC colours will be flying from street poles and hanging in airports and sea ports throughout the nine countries. Sponsor marketing activity has begun worldwide."

Adding that there's a lot currently happening, Roach listed the ICC Venue Tour, Match Day Integration workshops and meetings between event authority - the International Cricket Council (ICC) - and CWC later this week among the myriad CWC activities. CWC's board of directors will also meet in Trinidad on Friday for the final time before the tournament.

"CWC's accreditation headquarters is now open at Sabina Park and the entire team has relocated to the stadium. They are operating at a great pace and it's the venue for training of the accreditation managers and media services managers starting from tomorrow," she said.

While a lot of attention is being paid to the start of ICC CWC 2007, Roach cautioned that the diligent work ethic must be maintained throughout the eight weeks which it spans.

"Right now, everyone is focused on the warm-up matches and the opening ceremony but we need to carry this level of energy and enthusiasm through to the Final to ensure it is the best Cricket World Cup ever."