Still a lot of work to be done to pitch, outfield at Providence Stadium
-but there is still time, says Lockerbie
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
November 17, 2006
There is still a lot of work to be done to the pitch and outfield at the Providence Stadium in order for Guyana to host the Super Eight matches of Cricket World Cup 2007.
Addressing members of the media after their venue inspection tour yesterday, International Cricket Coun-cil's Venue Development Director Don Lockerbie said he was satisfied with the work that had been completed at the Providence Stadium, but there was still quite a lot more to be done to the pitch and outfield for it to meet the ICC standards. He however added that there was still time for that to be done.
He said the ICC team had an opportunity to see Everest and Bourda "and if they are indications of what this pitch is going to become, we are relaxed about it. We just need to make it very, very clear that a lot of work needs to be done and a solid programme needs to take place over the next few months on the pitch and outfield. Other than that, very small minor things, and we've been going through them in great detail today (yesterday) and for that, there are no surprises. You always have to fine tune a stadium to get it ready for an event, and what is happening here that is a little unusual, is that this is being finished for a world championship."
Chief Executive Officer of CWC 2007 Chris Dehring who also addressed the media noted that two and a half years ago when the CWC team visited Guyana to inspect the Providence Stadium site for the first time they saw a canefield, and was given a promise that a stadium will be built. "We're certainly seeing an incredible stadium in the making."
He said a tremendous amount of work had been done and Guyana's Local Organising Committee's Chief Executive Officer, Karan Singh and his team needed to be congratulated.
"Clearly though, there is still a lot of work to be done and there is a short time left. We are happy that the LOC is trying their very best to deliver, and we are pleased with what we have seen so far, but at this point, we recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done and every day counts, and we are expecting . . . the support of everybody in Guyana for the Local Organsing Committee to get things done," Dehring stated.
He said further, "Now is the time for everybody to come on board and ensure they are doing their part. Failure is not an option, and therefore everybody needs to understand that they have a role to play in Cricket World Cup.
"Every Guyanese must see this venue as a national symbol that they have to contribute to, and we look forward to that. With that kind of support I can't see how it will fail."
Lockerbie also said Guyana had met the challenge in so many ways and noted that the LOC was committed to excellence. "Other countries can learn from Guyana and its volunteer programme."
He said the stadium is nearly completed and December 31 is the date that it had to be completed with respect to all the permanent pieces and the inspection team feels that all that needs to be done will happen and they are pleased with that.
The team left Guyana last night for Grenada.