A team of Indian experts are expected in Guyana by December 3 to follow-up a proposal by President Bharrat Jagdeo to build a multi-purpose stadium.
According to a Government Information Agency release, this disclosure was made by President Jagdeo yesterday at a media conference.
Following discussions President Jagdeo had with Indian government officials during his state visit to India in August, the Indian government was said to be willing to consider a proposal from Guyana to build a stadium, primarily for hosting the 2007 World Cup Cricket. The West Indies is expected to host the next World Cup Cricket competition.
During his five-day visit to India, President Jagdeo had discussions with the Indian government on ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries, with specific reference to improving the lives of Guyanese.
Among the many requests made by the Guyana delegation was assistance for the construction of a World Cup Stadium.
President Jagdeo had reported that the Indian government responded 'favour-ably', the release stated.
The stringent deadlines to construct the facility were communicated to the Indian government President Jagdeo said, and it agreed to work assiduously on the matter.
Earlier, the Committee which was set up wrote to the head of state requesting his help with financing of the stadium. At that time President Jagdeo responded that government is prepared to offer its support in the form of providing the land either on the East Bank or at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The Committee put forward two proposals: one to merge the Georgetown Football Club and the Georgetown Cricket Club and the other to construct a new facility.
To restructure the former would cost approximately US$10-12M, while it is estimated to cost about US$15M for a new stadium.
These two proposals came from private financiers.
President Jagdeo yesterday noted that government has not ruled out the option of private financing but should the Indian government agree to give the stadium to the Guyana government as a gift, this would be accepted.
However, opportunities still remain for private investment, and there would be many other arrangements to be made in addition to building a new stadium.
The new stadium, multi-purpose in nature, would cater for cricket, football, athletics and concerts, among other activities.
Jagdeo also noted that the private investors could consider the options to build a complex and shopping mall nearby, along with a housing scheme to cater for accommodation. He estimated that about 500 houses are necessary to adequately accommodate cricketers and others.
The President noted that the hosting of the World Cup Cricket is truly a national effort and requires several facilities, including accommodation, the stadium, taxi services, a liaison component and ensuring that Guyana's tourism potential is fully showcased.
He said further that government is hoping to work with all interested groups to make the stadium a reality and the hosting of World Cup Cricket in Guyana a possibility.