Simpson Miller ... Jamaica is ready for the world.

WITH FLASHING blades, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has opened the batting for the ICC Cricket World Cup, for which the first ball will be bowled at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. West Indies will play Kenya in a warm-up match at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

In an address posted on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) website, Mrs. Simpson Miller lauded Jamaicans for the part played in the country's hosting of the third-largest sporting event.

"I am very pleased to see the enthusiasm being displayed by so many persons - ranging from young children to corporate citizens," the Prime Minister said.

Jamaica, which was awarded the yellow package in July 2004, constructed a new stadium in Trelawny and renovated Sabina Park in Kingston for the hosting of the event. Over $7 billion is being spent on Jamaica's preparations for the Cricket World Cup.

As holders of the yellow package, the country will host five warm-up matches, the opening ceremony, six preliminary-round games and one semi-final. The opening ceremony takes place next Sunday, after five warm-up games will have been played at the Trelawny Multi-purpose stadium, built primarily to facilitate Jamaica's hosting of the Cricket World Cup.

The Prime Minister says that despite the early hiccups, Jamaica is ready for the world.

"I want to thank all of you for your understanding during the important construction and renovation phase, as we prepared for this event. Let us remember that long after the last ball is bowled, the facilities put in place, will remain for the use and enjoyment of all Jamaicans."

Added Mrs. Simpson Miller: "Let us go beyond the boundaries to make this the best and most unforgettable Cricket World Cup ever ... Let us rally round the West Indies as they seek to become the first host team to win the ICC Cricket World Cup."

Editor's note: Sri Lanka, which jointly hosted the tournament with India and Pakistan in 1996, won the World Cup as host.