( L - R ) Seivewright, Ricketts, Harris WESTERN BUREAU:
While optimism is high among stakeholders in Trelawny as they fine-tune preparations for the opening ceremony of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, indications are that some of the supporting services will not be ready in time for the event.
Sydney Reid, manager of the new Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, which will host the event, said that while changes have been made to the original parking arrangements, he is confident that every thing will fall in place for the opening ceremony on Sunday, March 11.
"An ICC team recently visited the stadium and they are satisfied that we are ready for both the planned warm-up matches and the opening ceremony," said Mr. Reid, who is expected to have at least 10,000 people inside the stadium for the opening ceremony.
He was speaking at a Gleaner Editors' Forum in Falmouth yesterday, where issues relating to parish readiness were discussed.
"The plan to shuttle fans to the venue has been scrapped and we are now in the process of preparing a parking area for some 1,500 vehicles, next door to the stadium."
Insofar as the plans to have the townof Falmouth ready to create a fun-filled atmosphere for the 5,000 persons who are expected in Trelawny for the weekend spanning March 9-11, Custos Royland Barrett, Mayor Jonathan Bartley, Member of Parliament Dr. Patrick Harris and Chamber of Commerce president Dennis Sievwright, all concurred that the town would be ready.
"The place is now being cleaned up and come the opening ceremony, Falmouth will be buzzing with excitement as we will be showcasing Trelawny at its best in art, craft and food," said Mr. Sievwright.
"The plan is to have our visitors 'bleach' for the entire period as we intend to give them round-the-clock entertainment."
Support structures not complete
However, amid the general optimism, some of the support structures - such as the highway from Montego Bay to Falmouth, the new police headquarters, the fire brigade station and the new wing at the Falmouth Hospital - will not be in a complete state of readiness.
"The fire station and the hospital will be functionally ready and should be able to provide the expected functions," said Dr. Harris. "Unfortunately, the new police headquarters will not be ready."
The 27-kilometres of the North Coast Highway Improvement Project from Montego Bay to the Trelawny Stadium, which is considered critical in the movement of fans from the western side of the island, will not be ready.
Janel Ricketts, National Works Agency (NWA) communications officer for the western region, said only 15 kilometres will be completed.
"We will definitely not have a repeat of the (Air Jamaica) Jazz Festival fiasco. While the entire roadway will not be ready, it will be in suitable driving condition," Ms. Ricketts advised.
