LOC gears up for World Cup

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Cricket World Cup 2007 has intensified its flow of information as all systems are put in place for next year’s hosting of warm up matches for cricket’s showpiece.

The LOC recently engaged local media practitioners in a workshop on accreditation and updated them on the practices expected at these matches set for March.{{more}}

The workshop conducted by Mandy Keagan of a British based firm, looked at media information system, match statistics and a host of other areas. Keagan also sought local knowledge to assist her in her preparatory work.

Local media houses will have to pay a refundable US$250 for accreditation for each journalist. A December 1 deadline has been set for the registration of these personnel.

According to Keagan, she is expecting around 125 journalists to cover the March 6 -9 event.

And, with the new media centre under the construction, all journalists will be housed on the southern end of the ground, a departure from what existed in the past. Previously, foreign journalists were accommodated in the northern press box and the locals lodged at the southern area.

The media briefing followed the launch of the Volunteers Programme.

The LOC is looking for 280 volunteers to fulfill some of the service needs for the matches.

The search for these volunteers commences soon with detailed background checks to ensure persons of repute are recruited. The LOC is looking to include eighty medical personnel in the quota.

Apart from these, the LOC continues its interfacing with local service providers, with town hall meetings slated to begin later this month. And, with security high on the agenda of the organisers, head of that department Ronald Christopher regularly receives training overseas in this field.

The off-the-field preparations add to the substantive work done at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Reconfiguration of the ground unfolds daily as the redo takes shape.

An estimated EC$30M will be spent on the upgrade of this facility, along with its adjoining field as well as the Sion Hill and Stubbs Playing Fields.

Work is progressing at a steady rate, which has seen the demolition of the northern press area last weekend. The outfield of the main facility will be dug up in the next two weeks.

Diversion of the river, which has provided more space for a proposed double -decker stand, a media center and sea-defences form part of the Arnos Vale upgrade.