Workmen roll the pitch at Jarrett Park against the backdrop of the lush, green outfield. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

JARRETT PARK, one of the designated practice venues for teams participating in the upcoming 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, is now at a 95 per cent state of readiness and, according to the Jarrett Park Management Committee (JPMC), should be ready for use this weekend.

"The pitch is now in the finalphase of rolling," said businessman Adrian 'Harry' Grant, chairman of JPMC. "Except for the required marking, I would say it is now ready to be used by the teams."

Late start

Despite the late start in preparation - due primarily to the facility being used for Wray and Nephew National Premier League (NPL) matches after the proposed December 31 closing date - Grant said the outfield was in a pristine state.

"We have had to be working around the clock to get the park ready," said Grant. "Thanks to the workers, the outfield is now lush green and I am sure the players will enjoy the conditions here."

With JMPC only receiving a measly US$8,000 from the Local Organising Committee for the 2007 ICC World Cup to assist in its preparatory work, Grant said the JPMC had to dig into its own coffers to come up with funding.

Spending own money

"We are spending our own money because we don't want to have a situation where we are left embarrassed at the end of the day," said Grant. "Personally, I don't know how we are going to recoup what we have spent but we can't afford to have Montego Bay looking bad."

In addition to the pitch and outfield, Grant said work had also been done on other parts of the facility to enhance its general appearance.

"We have painted up the areas around the boundary and the stands have been cleaned up and are now looking quite good," said Grant. "We have also painted the outside of the wall that encloses the park spanning from Corinaldi Avenue to Cottage Road."