West Indies lost but Guyana won
Kaieteur News
April 2, 2007
Cricket World Cup 2007 saw its largest crowd yet yesterday when West Indies took on Sri Lanka at the National Stadium at Providence. All over the region the word was that the price of the tickets was too high and served to keep away the spectators.
However, 12,000 Guyanese--in effect a sell-out crowd--moved to the stadium from early morning in anticipation of a West Indies victory. By the end of the day they were so disheartened that they declined to wait for the presentations ceremony that follows every match. There was not one smiling face.
Trade and Tourism Minister, Manniram Prashad said that while the disappointment of the loss weighed like the proverbial albatross, there was some joy that Guyana won even as West Indies lost.
He said that yesterday's match was the only one to attract such a crowd. All linked to the cricket, including the coaches and the players, were high in their praise for the stadium. He said that they were also impressed by the reception afforded them at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport when they arrived.
Minister Prashad said that the visitors were also impressed with the standard of the hotels and other accommodations that Guyanese offered.
“There is now no turning back for the local tourism industry,” he added.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud echoed the views. “Guyana won but the West Indies loss was most disappointing.”
President Bharrat Jagdeo was overheard to say that the stadium lived up to all expectations. Its reputation has been enhanced, especially since there was an almost prompt start to the proceedings despite rains on Saturday night and early yesterday morning.
The future is bright for the stadium, he said. He added that on the whole he was excited that the doomsayers have been silenced. And to add to the reputation of the stadium, Guyanese, many spending their last dollar, flocked the facility to see their team in action.
He said that while he shared their disappointment, he advised that they should bask in the glory that they have a world class facility that would be in place long after the Cricket World Cup has gone.