ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Border security and control is the greatest challenge to the Caribbean hosting a successful Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, Antigua & Barbuda's Prime Minister said.

The Antigua leader said the security forces would have to be vigilant as with the region operating a single domestic space across 10 countries, visitors to the world third largest event will be accorded hassle-free access the Islands hosting matches.

Crime penetration

"Cricket World Cup 2007 will also provide an excellent opportunity for the perpetration of international criminal activities including, narco-trafficking, the illegal trafficking of firearms, human trafficking and money laundering - activities that already undermine the security of our region," Spencer told a graduation ceremony for 45 new recruits for the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF).

He said border security and control, which formed part of the region CWC Security Plan, were the most critical components of that plan, given the limited response capability that existed within the security forces of the region.

"Your graduation, if not for anything else, is very significant to the success of the staging of this event. I am heartened to learn that you will commence immediately specialised training in your assigned Unit in order to meet the security challenges that will come with the staging of Cricket World Cup."