Speed

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

MALCOLM SPEED, the International Cricket Council's(ICC) chief executive, has applauded the efficient manner in which Grenada staged its leg of the Cricket World Cup as the penultimate leg of second-round matches which ended here on Friday.

"I think Grenada has been outstanding. For a country to have had much of its infrastructure wiped out in Hurricane Ivan three years ago and have come back and built a cricket ground like this (with) 16,000 seats, everything is first-rate," Speed said.

"I think they have done a great job. The volunteers have been terrific, they've been very friendly, very helpful, very well presented. all of the people involved in the Local Organising Committee down have been great."

Grenada's preparation for the World Cup was thrown into disarray when Hurricane Ivan hit the country in 2004, followed by Hurricane Emily a year later.

With the help of international funding, Grenada managed to complete the National Stadium in time to host Super Eight matches which started April 10.

Speed said the fact the country had fulfilled its obligations despite their challenges, had sent a strong message to the international community.

"I've spent quite a lot of time with the Prime Minister and other ministers of the government. Their commitment to Cricket World Cup and to using the matches in Grenada to tell the rest of the world that Grenada has bounced back (has been outstanding)," Speed pointed out.

"It (Grenada) has bounced back strongly from terrible times. They are very committed to it and they have done a great job. Grenada can be very proud of its contribution to Cricket World Cup."