Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter

Jamaica Cricket 2007, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Cricket World Cup, has found a solution aimed at facilitating disabled people coming to Jamaica for the first round and semi-final of the World Cup matches at Sabina Park, Kingston.

In an unfortunate incident, a woman from overseas was unable to watch any of the West Indies' 54-run win over Pakistan on Tuesday because she did not have a wheelchair.

Apparently, the woman, unnamed by the LOC, expected the organising body to provide disability apparatus for the game and it never happened.

Major Desmon Brown, general manager of Independence Park Ltd., and head of transportation at the LOC, indicated that the situation was unfortunate but, more importantly, had been rectified.

Pick-up service

"We have offered to pick up the lady from home for Saturday's game," said Major Brown, before going on to explain other plans for the disabled.

According to Brown, there are now two buses that will take the disabled to games in the park and ride system developed by the LOC.

One bus will operate from the National Stadium, while the other departs from National Heroes Park. Both buses will take patrons to the front entrance of Sabina Park.

There is also a bus that travels the length of South Camp Road to the North Stand.

According to Brown, the LOC has already identified four wheelchairs for the purpose of taking the disabled into the park and for their use during the day, but made other preparations for other types of disabilities.

"Some people are not in wheelchairs but they can't walk for very long distances, this is the reason for the additional buses," said Major Brown.

The buses have space for four wheelchairs at a time, along with 20 normal seats.