Australia's captain Ricky Ponting hits a six to seal the victory over Sri Lanka in their Cricket World Cup Super Eights match in St. George's, Grenada yesterday. - Reuters

The Jamaica Local Organising Committee (LOC) is ready and raring to go as it prepares to host Semi-Finals One of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 at Sabina Park on Tuesday, April 24.

Robert Bryan, executive director of Jamaica Cricket 2007 Ltd., the LOC, said following the successful staging of the six first round group stage matches, his organisation have reviewed their systems and have fine tuned all areas of operations.

"The group stage matches went smoothly and brought out the best of what Jamaica can offer.

"The residents and business operators responded well to the limited movement of vehicular traffic in the area. There can be no doubt that these groups of stakeholders were inconvenienced. Very early in our planning we consulted with them and shared our plans. During the matches they were most cooperative and for that we are grateful and appreciative," said Bryan.

"The residents and business persons of Allman Town and surrounding areas were most supportive. We are reminding the residents and in fact, the general public, that effective midnight, Monday, April 23, South Camp Road and all roads leading off will be limited to emergency vehicles only," Bryan pointed out.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ealan Powell, head of the Traffic Division, said it is important to note that for every street within the area that is inaccessible there is a route.

"This was done after long and detailed consultations with the residents and businesses," he noted.

Transportation (Park & Ride)

For cricket fans (Jamaicans and visitors alike) the LOC transport chairman, Major Desmon Brown, is reminding persons to use the official Park and Ride locations.

"We are anticipating a capacity crowd for the semi-finals. We have examined our system and are improving on our services. We will increase the number of buses. Our locations remain the same: National Stadium, National Heroes Park, Up Park Camp at Duppy Gate (parking only),UDC West Car Park and the Elleston Road Police Compound," stated Major Brown.

The Park and Ride locations will open at 7:00 a.m. and shuttle buses will run throughout the day.

Six Schools will close

Lisa O'Gilvie, the LOC event manager, preparations and logistics, said six schools in and around the Park will again be affected.

Kingston College, St. George's College, Holy Trinity, Alpha Group of Schools and Jessie Ripoll will be closed on match day.

"During the first phase of the tournament these schools took their two-week Easter holiday to coincide with the period. This time around they will be closed for only one day - the day of the semi-final, " she said.