The hosting of the cricket World Cup competition in 2007 opens up tremendous opportunities not only to advance the development of the game in Guyana and the region but also to benefit from the many economic spin-offs which will accrue from hosting the event.

According to Chris Dehring, managing director of West Indies 2007 World Cup Inc., "The economic rewards are tangible and substantive. The 2007 World Cup is projected to gross US$300 million over the six-week period, generating US$500 million in direct foreign exchange inflows to the region and US$750 million in economic activity."

That is an awfully lot of money to be flying around the region and Guyana must ensure that they are in a position to catch some of it. One of the ways they can do so is to ensure that come April 2007, Guyana whether it will be Bourda or some other venue, will host matches.

Not only is it important economically for the region to host the tournament but there are other areas namely, transportation, accommodation and venues where hosting the region can improve the general infrastructure of the region's territories.

At the moment there are seven first class venues in the Antigua Recreation Ground in Antigua, GCC's Bourda here in Guyana, Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad, Beausejour's Stadium in St Lucia, Arnos Vale in St Vincent, Kensington Oval in Barbados and Jamaica's Sabina Park.

With the exception of St Lucia's impressive, new state-of-the-art facility which has a seating capacity of 15,000 all of the others need work if they are to host World Cup 2007 matches.

The St Lucia stadium was constructed on 22 acres of land and the stadium has all the modern conveniences. It includes stands with bucket-type seating, 18 hospitality suites and a well-appointed pavilion that offers each team its own gym, lounge, balcony and conference room.

So far little has been disclosed about the possibility of Guyana staging matches in 2007. And there is not much time remaining.

The Georgetown Cricket Club and the Georgetown Football Club are going ahead with a planned merger. If they are chosen to host matches, fine, if not, they still gain from having a modern facility.

A decision one way or another has to be made. Should the authorities here put their weight wholly and solely behind the Bourda bid.? Or should they go the way of St Lucia and build a brand new stadium? Whatever they decide a decision must me made at the earliest opportunity since the Venue Assessment Team will arrive in another couple of months to assess the country's suitability.