DEHRING
PRIME MINISTER of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, praised ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 managing director and CEO, Chris Dehring, for the role he is playing as the Caribbean prepares to host the world's third-largest sporting event.
Prime Minister Spencer was addressing the ground-breaking ceremony for the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Centre, the stadium that will host Antigua's round of ICC CWC 2007 Super Eight matches. He drew a parallel between the legendary cricketer, after whom the centre is
named, and Mr. Dehring, who was present for the ground-breaking ceremony.
"I venture to say that where Vivian Richards was renowned for his confidence, Chris Dehring is renowned for his passion. I know that Chris' passion has produced significant benefits for West Indies cricket," the Prime Minister said. "I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Chris Dehring for assisting in bringing ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 to the West Indies, and for his efforts in ensuring that we have a successful Super Eight package in Antigua and Barbuda."
A SUCCESSFUL WORLD CUP
The Prime Minister also called on his countrymen to draw on the confidence for which Sir Viv is legendary to ensure that they delivered a successful ICC Cricket World Cup Super Eight round.
"No batsman, according to conventional cricketing wisdom, ever approached the wicket, executed a stroke, pounced on a ball or made a tactical decision with the confidence of Vivian Richards.
"As we confront the daunting challenges involved in making this nation ready for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Antigua and Barbuda needs to invoke that confidence, that spirit of certainty," Mr. Spencer said.
Calling for a national effort that transcends partisanship or special interest, the Prime Minister declared "We have to complete this facility on schedule. We have to complete the airport develop-ment on schedule. We have to expand room capacity in our two islands ahead of 2007. We have to make our country sunshine clean ahead of 2007."
ONE FAMILY
The Prime Minister then asked Antiguans and Barbudans to work together as 'one family' to deliver a Cricket World Cup experience that will surpass the expectations of every visitor and cricketer.
"Unless we succeed in this mission, we will not fully exploit the exciting opportunities that Cricket World Cup 2007 offers us, the key is teamwork," he
said. "The door to success
is confidence - Vivian Richards style!"
